Nevada State Immigration Laws

Immigration laws are primarily enforced by federal agencies. But states have their own rules that affect the daily life of immigrants and the services they can access. These rules and regulations vary by state. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws.

This article outlines immigration rules and policies in the state of Nevada, Learn more about:

• Law enforcement and immigration in Nevada
• Employment and immigration
• Nevada 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 Nevada should speak with a local immigration attorney for up‑to‑date guidance.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Nevada

Immigrants and migrants should know how police collect their information and who can see it.

Under the Criminal Apprehension Program, a federal program, convicts’ names go into a database that checks immigration status. In the past, all arrestees’ names went into this database. This was under the federal program “Secure Communities.” But “Secure Communities” is no longer in effect.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have access to the Criminal Apprehension Program database. 

Employment and Immigration

Refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules and Form I-9 requirements.

Nevada E-Verify Requirements

Nevada has no rule requiring employers to use E-Verify. E-Verify is a federal system that employers use to check that applicants and new hires are authorized to work in the U.S.

Driver’s License and ID Requirements

To get a driver’s license in Nevada, applicants must show proof of:

• U.S. citizenship or legal status
• Identity
• State residence (like a utility bill or rental lease)

Public Benefits Restrictions

Under federal law, immigrants living here illegally can’t get most public benefits. But they can use emergency services, health care, and other programs that are “necessary to protect life and safety.”

Education Checks and In-State Tuition

Nevada offers in-state tuition to all eligible undocumented students. This includes 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.

This set of benefits for in-state tuition also applies to U visa holders. U visas are available to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes. A U visa 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. This is also known as a T nonimmigrant visa.

Voter ID Rules

Nevada voters approved Question 7 in the 2024 General Election, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require government‑issued photo identification for in‑person voting. This measure would also require additional identifying information on mail ballots.

Nevada requires initiated constitutional amendments to pass twice. This means voters must approve Question 7 again in the General Election on November 3, 2026, before any voter ID requirements take effect. If enacted, the measure would add new identification requirements for both in‑person and mail voting.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

Nevada has no special housing ordinances for immigrants. But property owners and landlords must adhere to federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on religion, race, national origin, ancestry, or other protected characteristics.

Get Legal Help With Your Immigration Attorney

Dealing with immigration on your own is very difficult and stressful. Understanding federal and state laws can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel frustrated and lost in the process. Fortunately, an attorney can offer support with any type of immigration issue.

Regardless of the circumstances you’re facing in your immigration process, legal help is available for:

• Going through the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen
• Communicating with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Appearing in immigration court or before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
• Advocating for a family member who has been detained
• Applying for a green card or visa
• Other immigration-related legal matters

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Nevada. Enter your city or ZIP code—whether you’re in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, or another area—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 Nevada: Related Resources

• Know Your Rights — Use this guide to protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.
• U.S. Immigration Support — Find information and resources for immigrants.
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — This nonprofit organization offers free or low-cost legal resources and legal assistance to qualifying people, including immigrants and migrants.
• The UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law Immigration Clinic — The UNLV Immigration Clinic provides pro bono legal services to qualifying people, including immigrants and migrants. This organization also offers other advocacy and immigration services.
• Nevada State Bar Association — The Nevada chapter of the ABA can provide attorney referrals.