Oklahoma 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 and benefits they can access. These rules and regulations vary by state. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws.

This article explains immigration rules and policies in Oklahoma. Learn more about:

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

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

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, state and local police must verify a person’s immigration status. After that, they must report immigrants living here illegally to federal immigration agencies. Included among these agencies are:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

ICE also implemented the 287(g) program, working with the attorney general, FBI, and DHS. With this program, federal and local authorities work together to enforce immigration laws. They identify noncitizens and nonimmigrants in jails and prisons and check their immigration status.

In 2017, the U.S. Government implemented similar “Secure Communities” measures through executive order. Secure Communities was a program implemented for law enforcement agencies to work together. One of its goals was to identify immigrants living here illegally who were arrested for criminal offenses.

The Secure Communities program shared biometric information between the FBI and the DHS. This information-sharing scheme allowed them to verify the immigration status of arrested people. ICE would take the necessary steps if the person were an undocumented immigrant.

Since revoking “Secure Communities,” state and federal law have implemented similar initiatives. This includes the Criminal Apprehension Program (CAP). The program supports ICE in protecting the country from individuals threatening the U.S. communities. CAP focuses on arresting and identifying non-U.S. citizens arrested and criminal noncitizens.

Oklahoma E-Verify Requirements

Public employers, contractors, and subcontractors must use the E-Verify system. E-Verify is a federally-operated system that allows employers to verify that applicants are legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Driver’s License and ID Requirements

Noncitizens in Oklahoma can get a driver’s license if they have proof of legal presence (like a visa, I-94, or work permit) and proof of Oklahoma residency. They also must submit proof of identify and Social Security number. Immigrants without legal status are not eligible for an Oklahoma driver’s license or ID card at this time.

Public Benefits Restrictions

Federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving most public benefits. But, they can receive emergency services, health care, and other programs deemed “necessary to protect life and safety.”

Education Checks and Tuition Costs

A growing number of states in the U.S. offer state financial aid to qualified students regardless of their immigration status. Oklahoma is one of the states that offers these benefits to students living here illegally.

The policy aims to help young people brought into the U.S. illegally by their immigrant parents. For example, those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. These students can qualify for in-state tuition rates if they are Oklahoma residents.

Voting ID Rules

In 2010, voters passed a controversial voter identification rule. While some have challenged the law in court several times, it remains intact as of a State Supreme Court ruling in 2018. Voters must have valid identification to vote. The document must show the following:

• Name
• Photograph
• Date of issue
• Expiration date, unless the document is valid indefinitely

A valid voter registration card may prove identification without meeting the above requirements.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

A person’s immigration status will not affect their rights to federal housing. The U.S. Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on:

• Color
• Race
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status
• Disability

Thus, most discrimination in housing is illegal, regardless of the person’s immigration status.

Immigration Issue in Oklahoma? Get Legal Help Attorney

Understanding how immigration law impacts your situation can be challenging and overwhelming. Understanding federal and state immigration laws is even more urgent when facing possible deportation or removal. Fortunately, legal help is available for these situations.

Immigration attorneys can guide you through the following processes:

• Getting an employment authorization, like a work visa or permit
• Appearing before an immigration court
• Advocating for a family member who has been detained
• Facing a potential removal or deportation
• Obtaining Legal immigration status
• Pursuing U.S. citizenship through naturalization
• Helping victims of domestic violence and human trafficking and their families with U-visas or T-visas
• And more

An experienced lawyer can offer valuable legal services to help you navigate the immigration process. They are also familiar with immigration court and federal court processes. This knowledge and expertise can be a critical tool for high-stakes immigration situations.

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Oklahoma. Enter your city or ZIP code 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 Oklahoma: Related Resources

• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. — This nonprofit organization offers support and help to eligible immigrants, including lawful permanent residents, asylees, and refugees.
• Know Your Rights — This easy-to-read pamphlet contains information on immigrant rights. It also discusses how to protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.
• Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) — The OKDHS has a Refugee Resettlement Office that helps asylees, refugees, and entrants.