State Immigration Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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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.