Failure by the U.S. Federal government to address illegal immigration is forcing states to take measures into their own hands while also encouraging this year’s U.S. election candidates to adopt a firm stance on immigration policy. 

An estimated 1,600 lawsuits have been filed in states countrywide dealing with various immigration issues due to Federal government neglect. State control over illegal immigration is also causing unrest amongst the business sector.

In Arizona, one law, effective on Jan. 1, is forcing businesses to verify social security numbers against a government database through an electronic crosschecking system called E-Verify. Businesses who fail to check their employees’ social security numbers or who hire illegal immigrants would face strict penalties. 

Arizona’s business community is trying to hinder the passing of this new law by pointing fingers at the federal government and saying that they should be the only body allowed to regulate illegal immigration.

Immigration has also emerged as one of the hottest debate topics in the next U.S. elections. In an interview with the BBC, James Pinkerton, media adviser to the Regan and Bush senior White Houses, said immigration is the Republicans “best issue.”

However, Republicans strict stance on immigration has also contributed to a loss of support from the American business community who emphasize that immigration is essential for the U.S. economy to keep growing.

A range of topics are being debated by presidential candidates from what types of regulations should be enforced to discourage illegal immigration to whether illegal immigrants already in the U.S. should be given driver’s licenses.

Even the controversial debate over the U.S.’s role in the Middle East has been overshadowed by the U.S.’s estimated 12 million illegal immigrants.