{"id":352804,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:48","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/illinois-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:07:00","slug":"illinois-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/illinois-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois State Immigration Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Illinois State Immigration Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/meagan-neil-esq\/\">Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 16, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Illinois immigration laws blend federal enforcement programs with state\u2011level protections, including strong worker\u2011privacy rules and limits on how employers may use verification systems. The state offers certain benefits\u2014such as in\u2011state tuition eligibility for qualifying undocumented students\u2014while still restricting most public benefits to those with lawful status.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">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 laws can <\/span>change over time at both the state and federal levels.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a nonimmigrant or noncitizen processing your immigration status, it&#8217;s important to stay informed. This article outlines immigration laws and policies in the state of Illinois. Learn more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Law\">Law enforcement and immigration in Illinois<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Employment\">Employment checks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#E-Verify\">Illinois E-Verify requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Drivers\">Driver&#8217;s license and ID requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Benefits\">Public benefit restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Education\">Education restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Voter\">Voter ID rules<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Housing\">Housing discrimination<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Lawyer\">How an immigration lawyer can help<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Resources\">Related resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Immigration policies are complex and constantly evolving. If you&#8217;re facing an immigration issue in Illinois, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local attorney<\/a> can explain your rights and available protections.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Law\"><\/a>Law Enforcement and Immigration in Illinois<\/h2>\n<p>In general, federal immigration authorities oversee immigration laws. <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">Specifically, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a> (USCIS) and\u00a0<span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a0of Homeland Security<\/a> (DHS) agencies enforce immigration laws. <\/span>But local law enforcement officials can work with the federal government in handling these cases.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> (ICE) has the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">287(g) Program<\/a>. This program authorized local law enforcement authorities to perform certain immigration functions within their jurisdictions. ICE works with local and state police. Together, they identify jailed non-U.S. citizens and assess their removal or deportation.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Government also implements programs to check jailed non-U.S. citizens. For instance, &#8220;Secure Communities&#8221; (E.O. 13768) began in 2017. President Joe Biden revoked the program by executive order in January 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Secure Communities aimed to share data between the DHS and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Bureau of Investigation<\/a> (FBI). The FBI shared fingerprints and other data about people arrested by the DHS. The DHS would then verify the arrested person&#8217;s immigration status. If it appeared that the person arrested lived here illegally, ICE would take the necessary actions.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. government has other programs, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/criminal-alien-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Apprehension Program<\/a> (CAP) under ICE, to address immigration enforcement. This immigration service brings non-U.S. Citizens with criminal records into custody.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Employment\"><\/a>Employment Checks<\/h2>\n<p>Employers should refer to federal\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-employer\/employment-employer-other\/developments-on-verifying-eligibility.html\">employment eligibility verification rules<\/a>\u00a0and the requirements for Form I-9.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"E-Verify\"><\/a>Illinois E-Verify Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Illinois is one of the few states with stringent protection of workers&#8217; privacy.\u00a0But many states encourage employers to use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/e-verify-basics.html\">E-Verify system<\/a>\u00a0to confirm applicants&#8217; and new hires&#8217; eligibility to work in the country. The Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act has procedures meant to protect workers&#8217; privacy and prevent discrimination.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Drivers\"><\/a>Driver&#8217;s License and ID Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Illinois requires first-time driver&#8217;s license applicants to present documents proving their identity. Some identification may include a Social Security card, address, and proof of residency. Illinois&#8217; Secretary of State offers a complete list of requirements for a driver&#8217;s license. This list also\u00a0<span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">includes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilsos.gov\/departments\/drivers\/drivers_license\/drlicid.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">acceptable forms<\/a><\/span>\u00a0of identification.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Benefits\"><\/a>Public Benefits Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Immigrants living here without documentation are generally ineligible for most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html\">public assistance and welfare programs<\/a>. But they may get services that are &#8220;necessary to protect life and safety.&#8221; This includes health care, emergency services, and other similar services.<\/p>\n<p>The federal and local governments encourage immigrants to obtain legal status. This enables them to use certain government benefits and enjoy immigrant rights.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Education\"><\/a>Education Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Illinois allows certain undocumented students, including many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/DACA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/a> (DACA) recipients, to qualify for in\u2011state tuition under a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/Legislation\/publicacts\/view\/093-0007\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2003 state law<\/a> that sets specific residency and schooling requirements.<\/p>\n<p>The state has also expanded access to financial aid for eligible undocumented students through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.isac.org\/students\/before-college\/financial-aid-planning\/retention-of-illinois-rise-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RISE Act<\/a>, which opened state\u2011based grants to more noncitizen students.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Voter\"><\/a>Voter ID Rules<\/h2>\n<p>The state of Illinois doesn&#8217;t require its voters to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/voter-suppression-and-voter-id-laws.html\">present identification cards<\/a> at the polls. But poll workers may ask them to verify their signatures.<\/p>\n<p>First-time voters who registered by mail and did not submit identification may need to show a form of identification. Some of the acceptable forms are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paycheck<\/li>\n<li>Lease contract<\/li>\n<li>Student ID and mail addressed to the voter&#8217;s home<\/li>\n<li>Government check<\/li>\n<li>Government document<\/li>\n<li>Bank statement<\/li>\n<li>Utility bill<\/li>\n<li>A valid photo ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These acceptable forms of ID should show the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/voting-a-beginner-s-guide.html\">first-time voter&#8217;s<\/a> name and address.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Housing\"><\/a>Housing Ordinances and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>Illinois has no state-specific housing ordinances for immigrants. But property owners and landlords must adhere to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/fair-housing-federal-laws.html\">federal fair housing laws<\/a>, which prohibit discrimination based on religion, national origin, ancestry, or immigration status.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Lawyer\"><\/a>Are You an Immigrant Living in Illinois? Get Legal Advice<\/h2>\n<p>Dealing with immigration on your own can be confusing and stressful. Understanding federal and state laws can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel frustrated and lost in the process. Fortunately,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/illinois\/chicago\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration lawyers in Chicago<\/a> and other parts of Illinois can provide legal help to immigrant communities and their families.<\/p>\n<p>An immigration attorney can help with several immigration-related issues and processes, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Obtaining a U visa\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Advocating for a detained family member<\/li>\n<li>Navigating the naturalization process<\/li>\n<li>Understanding your rights in housing, employment, and education<\/li>\n<li>And more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An attorney can give you a better understanding of available protections, depending on your case. Seeking legal services is particularly crucial for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.<\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">FindLaw&#8217;s <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">directory of immigration attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Illinois. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer\u2014<a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney-client privilege<\/a> prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Resources\"><\/a>Illinois State Immigration Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Use the links below for additional information.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elections.il.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Voter Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/immigration-and-employment-eligibility-faq.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration and Employment Eligibility FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/obtaining-an-alien-labor-certification.html\">Getting an Alien Labor Certification<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are also nonprofit organizations that offer referrals to immigration services. You can find their contact information in the links below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/immigrantjustice.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Na<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/immigrantjustice.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tional Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)<\/a>\u2014\u00a0 This\u00a0<span style=\"background-color: transparent\">organization<span style=\"background-color: transparent\"> provides<\/span>\u00a0legal services and advocates for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. It is located in Chicago.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.icirr.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)<\/a>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0This coalition<span style=\"background-color: transparent\">\u00a0promotes the rights of refugees and immigrants. It also advocates for providing education to immigrants and implementing immigrant-friendly policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/worldrelief.org\/chicagoland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Relief Chicago<\/a> \u2014 This\u00a0<span style=\"background-color: transparent\">organization<span style=\"background-color: transparent\"> provides<\/span> several legal services, including refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, and English language classes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n            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fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some people can get a green card or complete immigration forms without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex immigration cases (such as having a criminal history or past immigration violations) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help you navigate complicated state and federal immigration laws\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The immigration process can be stressful and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a title=\"Immigration Law Attorney Directory\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n       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Learn how rules for public benefits, employment, housing, and driver\u2019s licenses apply to immigrants, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352785,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2733],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352804","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352804"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352804\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399868,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352804\/revisions\/399868"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352804"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352804"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}