{"id":352820,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:49","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/missouri-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-03-19T11:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T16:46:00","slug":"missouri-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/missouri-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri State Immigration Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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\">Missouri 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\/eric-harvey-j-d\/\">Eric Harvey, 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 19, 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-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Missouri&#8217;s immigration laws limit access to certain public benefits and restricts in\u2011state tuition for undocumented students and DACA recipients. Missouri encourages\u2014but does not require\u2014private employers to use E-Verify to verify that potential employees are authorized to work in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>States have their own rules that determine what services and benefits immigrants can access and how they engage with state systems.\u00a0States also have a significant say in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/federal-vs-state-immigration-laws.html\">how they enforce immigration laws<\/a>. These rules and regulations vary by state.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This article outlines immigration rules and policies in Missouri. Learn more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Law\">Law enforcement and immigration in Missouri<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Employment\">Employment and immigration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#E-Verify\">Missouri E-Verify requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Driver\">Driver&#8217;s license and ID requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Benefit\">Public benefits restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Education\">Education checks\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Voting\">Voting ID rules<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Housing\">Housing ordinances and immigration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Attorney\">How an immigration attorney can help<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Resources\">Related resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Immigration rules continue to evolve. Anyone facing an immigration issue in Missouri should speak with a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration attorney<\/a> for up\u2011to\u2011date guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Law\"><\/a>Law Enforcement and Immigration in Missouri<\/h2>\n<p>Federal agencies primarily manage and enforce immigration laws. But local law enforcement may work with federal agencies to carry out certain laws and policies.<\/p>\n<p>The federal program <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/secure-communities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Secure Communities&#8221;<\/a> once required that all arrestees&#8217; names be entered into a database.\u00a0The database checked immigration statuses. Former President Donald Trump renewed the program by executive order in 2017. But President Joe Biden revoked that executive order in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Now, police only check the immigration statuses of those convicted of crimes as part of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/criminal-apprehension-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Apprehension Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Employment\"><\/a>Employment Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Under federal law, employers should refer to federal\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employment-eligibility-verification.html\">employment eligibility verification rules<\/a>\u00a0and the requirements for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-9<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"E-Verify\"><\/a>Missouri E-Verify Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Missouri law requires all public (government) employers to use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/e-verify-basics.html\">E-Verify<\/a>\u00a0to confirm that new hires are authorized to work.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The law does not force private employers to use E-Verify for new hires. But it offers incentives to do so and imposes penalties for hiring unauthorized workers.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Driver\"><\/a>Driver&#8217;s License and ID Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Applicants for new driver&#8217;s licenses must have documents proving their identity. These documents must also show their date and place of birth. They also must show their Social Security number and Missouri home address.<\/p>\n<p>A complete list of acceptable documents is on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dor.mo.gov\/driver-license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri DOR<\/a>\u00a0site.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Benefit\"><\/a>Public Benefits Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Under federal law, immigrants without proper documents can&#8217;t get public benefits. But they can use emergency and health care services &#8220;necessary to protect life and safety.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Missouri law also restricts a variety of benefits to immigrants without proper documents. Green card holders are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mffh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ME-Medicaid-Expansion-Immigrant-Fact-Sheet-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eligible for Medicaid<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Education\"><\/a>Education Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Under state law, Missouri doesn&#8217;t allow in-state tuition benefits for students living in the state illegally. Missouri law also bans them from financial aid benefits. This also applies to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/DACA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/a> (DACA) recipients.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-.html\">DACA<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/u-visas.html\">U visa<\/a> holders can&#8217;t pay in-state tuition rates.\u00a0U visas are available to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes. It gives work authorization in the same way a green card does. U visas offer many of the same benefits as lawful permanent residence.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/t-visas.html\">T visa<\/a>. A T visa is specifically for victims of trafficking in persons. It&#8217;s also known as a T nonimmigrant visa.<\/p>\n<p>These visa types offer many benefits to non-citizens who have suffered abuse. But they don&#8217;t provide eligibility for in-state tuition benefits.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Voting\"><\/a>Voter ID Rules<\/h2>\n<p>Missouri requires voters to p<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.mo.gov\/voterid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resent identification before voting<\/a>. Forms of ID include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Non-expired Missouri driver&#8217;s or non-driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\n<li>Non-expired military ID, including a veteran\u2019s ID card<\/li>\n<li>Non-expired U.S. passport<\/li>\n<li>Another state-issued or U.S. photo ID, either non-expired or expired after the most recent general election<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>People without ID may vote, but they must cast a provisional ballot. They also must either return that day with a valid photo ID or have their signature verified against the voter registration signature on file.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Housing\"><\/a>Housing Ordinances and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>Missouri has seen several local efforts to establish rent-related ordinances targeting immigrants living here illegally. But these attempts typically face immediate challenges in court, and their legality is unclear.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Attorney\"><\/a>An Attorney Can Help With Your Immigration Issue<\/h2>\n<p>Missouri and other states do not have jurisdiction over immigration matters; that is the federal government&#8217;s responsibility. <span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">But states often pass laws that affect the daily lives of immigrants and the services and benefits they can access. Understanding your rights and the intersection of state and federal law is the best way to protect your interests and navigate this complicated system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>An experienced attorney can explain your rights and protections and help you with any immigration-related circumstances, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Undergoing the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen<\/li>\n<li>Appearing before an immigration court or discussing matters with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a> (USCIS)<\/li>\n<li>Pursuing a green card and lawful permanent resident status<\/li>\n<li>Advocating for a family member who has been detained<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whatever the case, a licensed immigration attorney can provide invaluable legal assistance.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s <u><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">directory of immigration attorneys<\/a><\/u> can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Missouri. Enter your city or ZIP code\u2014whether in Kansas City, St. Louis, or elsewhere\u2014for 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.<\/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>Immigration in Missouri: Related Resources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawmo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legal Aid of Western Missouri:<\/a> This nonprofit organization based in Kansas City offers free or low-cost legal services and advocacy to qualifying people, including immigrants without proper documentation. It staffs attorneys who offer legal services to income-eligible individuals and families.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lsem.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legal Services of Eastern Missouri:<\/a> This nonprofit in St. Louis offers free or low-cost legal services or advocacy to immigrants and migrants in the state.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stl-ifcla.org\/moimmigrationpolicycoalition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri Immigration Policy Coalition:<\/a>\u00a0This organization offers various advocacy services to migrants in the state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These legal services providers can help immigrants with many issues, often at no cost.<\/p>\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                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 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id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\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--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/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--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                               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was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\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--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/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--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\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--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/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--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\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--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                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\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                    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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