States Push 'Heartland Visas' As ICE 287(g) Expands Deportation Drive

Advocates and researchers push to give states a bigger role in immigration by piloting state-run recruitment and visa pathways, citing an outdated federal system and local labor needs. Since 2007, at least 16 states have floated measures, but efforts often stall without federal sign-off or face DOJ challenges. The piece situates proposals like the 2024 Heartland Visa against a backdrop of expanding ICE partnerships under 287(g) and heightened deportation priorities, underscoring likely federal–state legal friction.