Wyoming State Immigration Laws

Welcome to FindLaw's coverage of immigration laws in Wyoming. You will also find out more about the kinds of checks schools may run. We also cover whether employers in the state conduct such checks. Finally, you'll read about E-Verify requirements and restrictions on public benefits.

History of Legal Tensions Between Wyoming and the Federal Government

In January 2023, Wyoming sued the Biden administration over its new immigration policies. Earlier this year, Wyoming became one of 20 states to do so. Other states included Florida, Kansas, and Missouri. At issue in the lawsuit was how the Biden administration has opened channels for facilitating immigration to the United States since Title 42 has expired. The suit is ongoing, and it has not been resolved.

Review the White House's Fact Sheet page on the issue to learn more about the newly passed measures under the Biden administration. These channels include a variety of ways for vulnerable persons from Haiti, Colombia, Venezuela, and elsewhere to immigrate to the United States legally if you're not familiar with Title 42, review FindLaw's resource on this issue.

Migrants need to know about the political climate of undocumented persons in any state. Unlike liberal states, such as Colorado and New York, Wyoming's policies are not as hospitable to migrants.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Wyoming

Under a federal program, the names of convicts go through a database. This database checks immigration status. The program is the “Criminal Apprehension Program." Information in this database is shared with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is also possible that information could be shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Migrants should know how the government collects information. They should also know how it is shared between local and federal agencies. Migrants should also know how local and federal authorities cooperate in immigration enforcement. It's important to know how local law enforcement can and may work with entities from the federal government.

Employment and Immigration

Refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules. It's also important to see the requirements for Form I-9.

Wyoming E-Verify Requirements

There is no E-Verify rule.

Driver's License/ID Requirements

You must present a U.S. passport or state-certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two recent documents proving Wyoming residency (utility bill, etc.).

Public Benefits Restrictions

Under federal law, undocumented immigrants can't get most public benefits. But they can get emergency services, health care, and other programs deemed "necessary to protect life and safety."

Education Checks

Wyoming has no state policy on in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants. Schools in the state may make their own policies on this type of benefit.

This applies to DACA recipients. DACA:

• DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
• Enacted under the Obama administration, it protects eligible young adults from deportation after they came to the United States as children.
• Enacted in 2012, it provides these young adults with work authorization for limited periods of time. Those periods of work authorization are renewable.
• Learn more about DACA at FindLaw's What is DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?
• If you have more questions about DACA, you might also read USCIS's FAQ page on the program.

It's also important to know that schools may make decisions concerning tuition benefits for U visa holders. Here's a breakdown of U visas:

• Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), abuse and domestic violence victims are eligible for a U visa.
• It provides work authorization for limited periods of time, which are renewable.
• U visas are also available to family members of victims.
• Victims of crime, not just abuse, are also eligible.
• To learn more, visit FindLaw's page on the subject.

Non-citizens and migrants should know how schools determine tuition costs.

Voting ID Rules

There is no voter ID rule.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

There are no laws about housing.

Related Resources

• Know Your Rights — A guide to protecting yourself and your family during immigration raids (PDF, CASA of Maryland and other organizations)
• USCIS Office in Casper — Contact information for the USCIS immigration office in Casper, Wyoming
• Legal Aid of Wyoming — This nonprofit organization provides free or low-cost legal assistance to qualifying people, including migrants. Attorneys affiliated with Legal Aid of Wyoming provide legal representation pro bono. This means they provide legal services at no charge.
• Wyoming State Bar Association — If you need referrals for attorneys, this organization can provide them for free.
• Federal Laws and Resources
• State Immigration Laws

You Don't Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer's Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to protect your rights best. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. It doesn't matter what your unique set of circumstances is. You might be undergoing the naturalization process. You could be pursuing U.S. citizenship. You could be trying to get a green card for lawful permanent resident status. You might be struggling with your regular communications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whatever situation you are facing, immigration attorneys can help.

Legal resources are still available even if you can't afford an attorney. Remember to contact Legal Aid of Wyoming, linked above, if you need legal help for free or at a reduced cost. Immigration lawyers are often a must in any immigration-related setting. An immigration attorney can make your life much easier. Their advocacy services can simplify any difficulties you face. Whether you're located in Laramie or elsewhere in the state, get the help you need. Know your rights, and contact an attorney today.