{"id":352827,"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\/new-york-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-09-12T08:05:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T13:05:34","slug":"new-york-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/new-york-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New York 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\">New York 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 reviewed\n        <time>\n                            September 12, 2023\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><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">New York primarily operates as a sanctuary state for immigrants, limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies like ICE. New York&#8217;s policies and protections influence everyday life for immigrants, from driver\u2019s license eligibility to in\u2011state tuition and public benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">States have their own rules that affect the daily life of immigrants and the services they can access. These rules and regulations vary by state. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This article outlines immigration rules and policies under New York state laws. Learn more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Law\">Law enforcement and immigration in New York<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Employment\">Employment and immigration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#E-Verify\">New York E-Verify requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Driver\">Driver&#8217;s license and IDs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Benefit\">Public benefit restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Education\">Education restrictions<\/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 New York 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>Can New York Pass Its Own Immigration Laws?<\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally, the federal government system has regulated immigration. To prevent inconsistent laws, it barred states from passing their own immigration laws. This rule complies with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/the-supremacy-clause-and-the-doctrine-of-preemption.html\">legislative principle of preemption<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Although states <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/federal-vs-state-immigration-laws.html\">can&#8217;t create or change immigration laws<\/a>, they can pass laws that affect the services and benefits available within the state.<\/p>\n<p>Some states and cities have attempted to protect immigrants without proper documentation. &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/cis.org\/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanctuary Cities<\/a>&#8221; promise not to ask about residents&#8217; immigration status. They will refuse to hold or transfer prisoners into federal immigration custody under certain circumstances. Others have set requirements for law enforcement officials to do precisely these things.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Law\"><\/a>Law Enforcement and Immigration in New York<\/h2>\n<p>Federal government agencies and local authorities in New York work together to implement immigration laws. The following are the federal agencies that administer immigration laws:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Homeland Security<\/a> (DHS)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services <\/a>(USCIS)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement <\/a>(ICE)<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Bureau of Investigation<\/a> (FBI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ICE also incorporated\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 287(g)<\/a>\u00a0into the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/laws-and-policy\/legislation\/immigration-and-nationality-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)<\/a>. This section aims to improve cooperation between federal and local governments. It&#8217;s specifically for tracing immigrants living here illegally and arrested on criminal charges.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aila.org\/infonet\/text-of-iiraira\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illegal Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act<\/a> created 287(g) in 1996. But enforcement of the law became more robust after 9\/11. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/doclib\/287gMOA\/287g_JEM_RensselaerCoNY_06-10-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rensselaer County Sheriff&#8217;s Office<\/a> participates in this program in New York. The ICE website provides a downloadable Excel document\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">listing all participating agencies<\/a> in each state<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In 2017, &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/secure-communities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Secure Communities<\/a>&#8221; was in effect. This initiative shared the same goal with Section 287(g). &#8220;Secure Communities&#8221; assisted in the execution of immigration laws in the country. The DHS and the Attorney General gather and share data about imprisoned immigrants nationwide. They assess their immigration status and their criminal charges. Then, immigration authorities determined whether to deport or remove the person from the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Secure Communities&#8221; is no longer in use, as President Joe Biden revoked the executive order in 2021.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Employment\"><\/a>Employment and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>Federal law requires U.S. employers to complete\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-9<\/a>. This form verifies the employment authorization and the identity of the person hired. The rule applies to each employee, whether U.S. citizen or noncitizen.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"E-Verify\"><\/a>New York E-Verify Requirements<\/h2>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/e-verify-basics.html\">E-Verify<\/a> is a federally-operated system that allows employers to verify that applicants are legally authorized to work in the U.S. New York does not require employers to use E-Verify, but businesses can still<\/span>\u00a0opt to use it.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Driver\"><\/a>Driver&#8217;s Licenses and IDs<\/h2>\n<p>New York&#8217;s\u00a0Green Light Law\u00a0allows immigrants without documentation to apply for a driver&#8217;s license. The broader list of acceptable identification made it possible for immigrants without the usual documentation to get a driver&#8217;s license. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dmv.ny.gov\/driver-license\/driver-licenses-and-green-light-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">detailed list<\/a>\u00a0of acceptable documents.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Benefit\"><\/a>Public Benefits Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Under federal law, immigrants without documentation can&#8217;t get most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html\">public benefits<\/a>. But they can use emergency services, health care, and other programs &#8220;necessary to protect life and safety.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Education\"><\/a>Education Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/bills\/2021\/A9612\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York Assembly Bill 9612<\/a>\u00a0granted students without proper documentation\u00a0access to in-state tuition. The benefit is also available to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-.html\">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/a> (DACA) recipients. But students still need to meet the guidelines to be eligible. These rules include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attended high school in New York for at least two years<\/li>\n<li>Graduated from a high school in New York or received a GED<\/li>\n<li>Applied to attend a school in New York within five years of getting a high school diploma<\/li>\n<li>Showed proof of residency in New York<\/li>\n<li>Filed an affidavit stating that the student will apply for a legal immigrant visa when able<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Voting\"><\/a>Voting ID Rules<\/h2>\n<p>New Yorkers do not have to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ballotpedia.org\/Voter_ID_in_New_York\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">show identification to vote<\/a>. But they do need to register as a voter. People who fail to show identification during registration should show their ID at the polling place when they vote for the first time.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Housing\"><\/a>Housing Ordinances and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>The United States\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/crt\/fair-housing-act-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair Housing Act<\/a> protects people&#8217;s right to equal access to housing regardless of their immigration status. The act protects people from discrimination based on the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Race<\/li>\n<li>National origin<\/li>\n<li>Religion<\/li>\n<li>Sex<\/li>\n<li>Familial status<\/li>\n<li>Disability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Attorney\"><\/a>Legal Help Is Available for Your Immigration Issue<\/h2>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Dealing with an immigration problem on your own is very difficult and stressful. <\/span><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Understanding federal and state laws can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel frustrated and lost in the process. Fortunately, there <\/span>are <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/new-york\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York immigration lawyers<\/a> who can explain your rights and available protections.<\/p>\n<p>Immigration attorneys can also offer legal advice tailored to your case. Whether you are a permanent resident pursuing naturalization or an immigrant seeking a green card, it is best to seek legal help.<\/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 New York. 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>Immigration in New York: Related Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Various resources and legal service providers are available for immigrant communities in New York. These organizations offer referrals to legal services and legal assistance for immigrants.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/immigrants\/help\/city-services.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NYC Mayor&#8217;s Office of Immigrant Affairs<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 This office supports a wide range of immigrant programs. These programs aim to enhance immigrant New Yorkers&#8217; civic, economic, and social integration.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/immigrants\/help\/legal-services\/actionnyc.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ActionNYC<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 The program is accessible to every immigrant New Yorker. It offers free legal help from a network of organizations in New York.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/paimmigrant.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Know%20Your%20Rights%20booklet_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Know Your Rights<\/a> \u2014 This guide explains how to protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyic.org\/about-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 NYIC is an advocacy organization that promotes policies protecting immigrants. They advocate laws that improve New Yorkers&#8217; and immigrants&#8217; lives, particularly those in low-income households.<\/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                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\" 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          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                      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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-352827","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352827","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=352827"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352827\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":394362,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352827\/revisions\/394362"}],"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=352827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352827"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352827"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}