Developments with Iowa’s New Immigration Law

In April 2024, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new bill that makes it a state crime for an individual to be in Iowa if he or she was previously denied admission to or removed from the United States.1 The new law takes effect on July 1, but it has already stirred up quite the commotion across the state.2 

Protests and Demonstrations 

The new Iowa immigration law has sparked protests and public demonstrations across the state. Just recently, the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice put together a vigil at Stewart Square Park in Des Moines, where more than 100 people showed up to protest with their posters and American flags, despite rain pouring down on them. There have been similar protests in Waterloo, Iowa City, and Davenport in recent weeks in opposition to the new law.  

Gov. Kim Reynold's Stance 

The Iowa Governor is affirmatively in support of the new law, stating recently, "I have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the citizens of this country, of this state … I'm going to do whatever I can to implement that." Therefore, Gov. Reynolds believes the new law will bolster the safety of Iowa residents, while the Latino residents face anxiety and disconnect with Iowa communities as we get close to the new law's effective date.

The Board Chair for the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice, Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, has explained her concerns - "There's a lot of fear and a lot of disconnection, and people start wondering, 'Well, should I stay here?" 4 

Impact on People 

People's anxiety and disconnect could be deemed understandable since the new law would have an impact on real people, including children. For example, one of the lawsuits against the bill, which is further explained below, highlights an 18-year-old from Honduras.

As a child, she was brought to the U.S. with her mother and was eventually deported; she reentered the U.S. out of fear for her life, and she eventually applied for and received asylum. Although this 18-year-old is now living in Iowa lawfully and attending high school, she could potentially be arrested and deported under the new law.5 

Legal Implications 

Following Gov. Kim Reynolds's signing of the new bill into law, both the U.S. Justice Department and civil rights groups filed separate lawsuits on May 9, claiming the new law violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution.6 Specifically, the Justice Department's suit challenges the new law under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause and the Foreign Commerce Clause.  

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, the head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, recently gave his input: "We have brought this action to ensure that Iowa adheres to the framework adopted by Congress and the Constitution for regulation of immigration." 

It will be important for Iowa residents to follow the new law's legal developments as the lawsuits discussed above make their way through the courts. The Constitutionality of the new law will ultimately be decided one way or another, which can have a profound impact on hundreds of people throughout the state of Iowa. It is important to note that the state of Texas also has similar legal developments occurring revolving around a very similar immigration law that is currently blocked in court.