Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Backs Cooperative Immigration Approach with Trump Administration
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in office since April 2023, has expressed support for a cooperative approach with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement policies. This stance aligns with a legislative resolution that backs border security and reduced illegal immigration while promoting legal immigration channels.
In 2012, the Kansas legislature introduced the Kansas Business Workers and Community Partnership Act. This proposal aimed to grant employment authorization to undocumented immigrants who met specific criteria, such as completing biometric background checks, having no more than one misdemeanor, and residing in the United States before July 1, 2007. They also needed to work with certified businesses and strive for English proficiency.
The Kansas Immigration Coalition, active in the state, offers educational workshops and legal support for immigrant communities. However, in 2022, the legislature passed a bill restricting sanctuary policies, preventing local governments from limiting cooperation with federal agents. The Kansas Attorney General's office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations have also collaborated, allowing certain KBI agents to assist in immigration arrests and detainers.
The resolution passed by the legislature urged Governor Kelly to deploy the Kansas National Guard to aid border operations. Although the 2012 program proposal did not become law, immigrant advocates in the state continue to use it as a guide for future legal pathways legislation. The Kansas legislature cited an estimate from a Kansas Bureau of Investigation official, suggesting around 75,000 immigrants reside in the state illegally.
Governor Laura Kelly's cooperative stance on immigration with the Trump administration reflects a broader legislative effort to balance border security, reduce illegal immigration, and foster legal immigration pathways in Kansas. Despite setbacks, such as the 2012 program proposal not passing, ongoing advocacy and collaboration between state agencies continue to shape Kansas's immigration landscape.
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