•Why have immigration responsibilities been relinquished to the local level of government
http://www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/us-immigration-national-and-state-trends-and-actions-85899500037
The topic of immigration is complex, and the division of responsibilities between different levels of government varies from one country to another. However, in some cases, immigration responsibilities have been delegated or devolved to the local level of government for several reasons:
1. Practicality: Local governments often have a better understanding of the needs and realities of their communities. By involving local authorities in immigration matters, it can be easier to address specific challenges related to housing, education, healthcare, and social integration.
2. Tailoring Policies: Immigration needs can differ significantly between regions even within the same country. By allowing local governments to manage immigration, policies can be tailor-made to meet specific local demands, taking into account factors like labor market needs, demographic trends, and local infrastructure capacity.
3. Proximity to Communities: Local authorities are typically more accessible to immigrants and have a closer relationship with their communities. They can provide more localized support and services, including language assistance, cultural integration programs, and access to social and employment resources.
4. Political Dynamics: In some cases, the decentralized management of immigration can be a result of political considerations. It may reflect a desire to shift responsibility or decision-making power away from the central government, or it could be part of a broader decentralization agenda aimed at empowering local governments.
5. Experimentation and Innovation: By devolving immigration responsibilities, local governments can experiment with new policies and approaches to address immigration challenges. This can encourage innovation, sharing of best practices, and the development of localized solutions that can potentially inform national immigration policies.
It's important to note that while local governments may have certain immigration responsibilities, they generally operate within a legal framework and policy guidelines set by the national government. The specific scope and nature of these responsibilities can vary widely across countries and regions.