State Immigration Laws

While immigration laws come from the federal government, which has the sole authority to grant visas, green cards and citizenship, states also have laws that create rules for certain state activities related to immigration. Typically these state laws are related to employment, education, licensing, and state benefits. Many of these laws, particularly those that critics say infringe upon the federal government’s immigration duties, remain in flux. This section lists relevant laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Also included is an overview of state and federal governments' roles in immigration policy and enforcement.

Learn About State Immigration Laws

Federal vs. State Immigration Laws
Overview of state and federal governments' roles in immigration policy, jurisdiction, and enforcement. Learn about the federal government’s jurisdiction over immigration law, states’ powers, and more.
S.B. 1070 Lawsuits
Arizona’s immigration law sparked a considerable amount of controversy and was the subject of a Supreme Court case. This article offers summaries of some of the most important lawsuits linked to the law.
California State Immigration Laws
A guide to California’s immigration laws. Learn about immigration law enforcement in California, employment checks, the state’s E-Verify law, driver’s license requirements, public benefits restrictions, and more.

Florida State Immigration Laws
A look at Florida’s immigration laws. Find information on employment checks, Florida’s E-Verify law, driver’s license requirements, immigration law enforcement, public benefits restrictions, and more.
Texas State Immigration Laws
An overview of Texas’ immigration laws and policies. Learn about Texas’ immigration law enforcement, employment checks, E-Verify law, driver’s license requirements, and much more.
New York State Immigration Laws
A guide to New York’s immigration laws. This article provides information on New York’s employment rules, driver’s license requirements, immigration law enforcement, public benefits restrictions, and more.

State Immigration Laws Articles