Real Information on Immigration in Idaho
Our second “Prepare Now” meeting co-hosted by the Idaho State University Political Science Club on February 20, 2026 at ISU focused on how people in our community can protect and advocate for those who are targeted by ICE and anti-immigrant vitriol and legislation.
Dr. Deirdre Caputo-Levine presents at the Prepare Now meeting at ISU in February 2026
Dr. Deirdre Caputo-Levine’s presentation of facts on Immigration in Idaho is highlighted in an article in the East Idaho News.
Naturalized citizen: a lawful permanent resident who has met the requirements for citizenship (interviews and citizenship test)
Lawful permanent resident: a non-citizen who is lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States
Guest workers: individuals allowed to stay as long as they are working in their job
Unauthorized immigrants: foreign-born non-citizens who are not legal residents
According to the Pew Research Center, “As of 2023, 46% of immigrants were naturalized U.S. citizens. Nearly a quarter (23%) were lawful permanent residents, often referred to as “green card holders,” and another 4% were lawful temporary residents who were permitted to stay in the U.S. for a limited period of time, usually for work or study. The remaining immigrants in the U.S. fell into the “unauthorized” category and constituted 27% of all U.S. immigrants.”
Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei explained the opposition of the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association to HB 659, which would require local law enforcement agencies to enter into a memoranda of agreement with ICE.
Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei speaks February 20 at the Prepare Now meeting at ISU
Raquel Reyes, the programs and operations director for Protecting Our Dreams and Empowering Resilience (PODER) Idaho, described over a dozen anti-immigrant bills under consideration in the Idaho legislature this session.
Raquel Reyes of PODER Idaho presents via Zoom at the Prepare Now meeting at ISU on February 20, 2026.