Research and Data for Advocates

This resource offers brief summaries of peer-reviewed empirical studies and select additional research, curated and summarized by LSSC¹ to support efforts to (i) challenge abusive state preemption laws, and (ii) advance home rule reform. It’s available for anyone to use in whatever way is most helpful.

While not intended to be comprehensive, we welcome suggestions for additional research that could strengthen this resource. If you know of relevant studies we’ve missed, please email us at newresearch@supportdemocracy.org.

 1. Earlier versions of this resource were created in partnership with ChangeLab Solutions.

Adam Polaski Adam Polaski

State laws preempting sanctuary policies can create hostile environments...

State laws preempting sanctuary policies can create hostile environments, deterring immigrants from seeking critical health care and social services, or even prohibit those services from being offered altogether. These laws may also have a chilling effect on accessing other health-related resources, including basic utilities (e.g., electricity and water), healthy foods, and public recreation spaces. Preemption of sanctuary policies that protect and support immigrants likely contribute to negative physical and mental health outcomes for those populations.

Read more from:

  •  Hall, M, Mann-Jackson, L, Rhodes, S.  State Preemption of Local Immigration “Sanctuary” Policies: Legal Considerations. Am J of Public Health. 2021;111. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306018. 

  • Mann-Jackson L, Simán FM, Hall MA, Alonzo J, Linton JM, Rhodes SD. State Preemption of Municipal Laws and Policies that Protect Immigrant Communities: Impact on Latine Health and Well-Being in North Carolina. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. 2022;59. doi:10.1177/00469580221087884. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00469580221087884.

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