Missouri State Immigration Laws

States have their own rules that determine what services and benefits immigrants can access and how they engage with state systems. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws. These rules and regulations vary by state. 

This article outlines immigration rules and policies in Missouri. Learn more about:

• Law enforcement and immigration in Missouri
• Employment and immigration
• Missouri E-Verify requirements
• Driver’s license and ID requirements
• Public benefits restrictions
• Education checks 
• Voting ID rules
• Housing ordinances and immigration
• How an immigration attorney can help
• Related resources

Immigration rules continue to evolve. Anyone facing an immigration issue in Missouri should speak with a local immigration attorney for up‑to‑date guidance.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Missouri

Federal agencies primarily manage and enforce immigration laws. But local law enforcement may work with federal agencies to carry out certain laws and policies.

The federal program “Secure Communities” once required that all arrestees’ names be entered into a database. The database checked immigration statuses. Former President Donald Trump renewed the program by executive order in 2017. But President Joe Biden revoked that executive order in 2021.

Now, police only check the immigration statuses of those convicted of crimes as part of the Criminal Apprehension Program.

Employment Restrictions

Under federal law, employers should refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules and the requirements for Form I-9.

Missouri E-Verify Requirements

Missouri law requires all public (government) employers to use E-Verify to confirm that new hires are authorized to work. 

The law does not force private employers to use E-Verify for new hires. But it offers incentives to do so and imposes penalties for hiring unauthorized workers.

Driver’s License and ID Requirements

Applicants for new driver’s licenses must have documents proving their identity. These documents must also show their date and place of birth. They also must show their Social Security number and Missouri home address.

A complete list of acceptable documents is on the Missouri DOR site.

Public Benefits Restrictions

Under federal law, immigrants without proper documents can’t get public benefits. But they can use emergency and health care services “necessary to protect life and safety.”

Missouri law also restricts a variety of benefits to immigrants without proper documents. Green card holders are eligible for Medicaid.

Education Restrictions

Under state law, Missouri doesn’t allow in-state tuition benefits for students living in the state illegally. Missouri law also bans them from financial aid benefits. This also applies to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.

DACA protects eligible young adults from deportation after their parents brought them to the United States as children. It also gives these young adults work authorization for limited periods. Those periods of work authorization are renewable.

U visa holders can’t pay in-state tuition rates. U visas are available to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes. It gives work authorization in the same way a green card does. U visas offer many of the same benefits as lawful permanent residence.

U visas are also available to the family members of victims. The children of victims get temporary protected status, along with the U visa holder. To the children of victims, it provides special immigrant juvenile status.

Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for a T visa. A T visa is specifically for victims of trafficking in persons. It’s also known as a T nonimmigrant visa.

These visa types offer many benefits to non-citizens who have suffered abuse. But they don’t provide eligibility for in-state tuition benefits.

Voter ID Rules

Missouri requires voters to present identification before voting. Forms of ID include:

• Non-expired Missouri driver’s or non-driver’s license
• Non-expired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card
• Non-expired U.S. passport
• Another state-issued or U.S. photo ID, either non-expired or expired after the most recent general election

People without ID may vote, but they must cast a provisional ballot. They also must either return that day with a valid photo ID or have their signature verified against the voter registration signature on file.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

Missouri has seen several local efforts to establish rent-related ordinances targeting immigrants living here illegally. But these attempts typically face immediate challenges in court, and their legality is unclear.

An Attorney Can Help With Your Immigration Issue

Missouri and other states do not have jurisdiction over immigration matters; that is the federal government’s responsibility. But states often pass laws that affect the daily lives of immigrants and the services and benefits they can access. Understanding your rights and the intersection of state and federal law is the best way to protect your interests and navigate this complicated system.

An experienced attorney can explain your rights and protections and help you with any immigration-related circumstances, including:

• Undergoing the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen
• Appearing before an immigration court or discussing matters with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Pursuing a green card and lawful permanent resident status
• Advocating for a family member who has been detained

Whatever the case, a licensed immigration attorney can provide invaluable legal assistance.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Missouri. Enter your city or ZIP code—whether in Kansas City, St. Louis, or elsewhere—for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings and whether they offer free consultations.

Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer—attorney-client privilege prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.

Immigration in Missouri: Related Resources

• Legal Aid of Western Missouri: This nonprofit organization based in Kansas City offers free or low-cost legal services and advocacy to qualifying people, including immigrants without proper documentation. It staffs attorneys who offer legal services to income-eligible individuals and families.
• Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: This nonprofit in St. Louis offers free or low-cost legal services or advocacy to immigrants and migrants in the state. 
• Missouri Immigration Policy Coalition: This organization offers various advocacy services to migrants in the state.

These legal services providers can help immigrants with many issues, often at no cost.