Question

Which level of government has the authority to regulate immigration according to the Constitution?

Answer 1

According to the U.S. Constitution, the federal government has the authority to regulate immigration. This power is primarily derived from the Constitution's Immigration and Naturalization clause in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to "establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization." Additionally, the federal government has exercised its authority to regulate immigration through various laws and regulations, establishing immigration policies and procedures at the national level. State and local governments have limited power in this area, primarily acting in support of or in compliance with federal law.