{"id":352833,"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\/pennsylvania-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-07-24T14:06:36","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T19:06:36","slug":"pennsylvania-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/pennsylvania-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania State Immigration Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania State Immigration Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Pennsylvania generally follows federal immigration rules, with local cooperation varying by city and no statewide mandate for programs like E\u2011Verify. The state limits most public benefits under federal law and leaves in\u2011state tuition decisions for undocumented and DACA students to individual universities.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The federal government dictates most aspects of immigration law. But each state has the freedom to determine certain aspects of its law, including immigration policies and rules.<\/p>\n

This article outlines immigration rules in Pennsylvania. Learn how the state’s policies impact noncitizens’ ability to access public benefits, higher education, and other services. You’ll also learn how state law enforcement agencies interact with federal agencies.<\/p>\n

Immigration rules continue to evolve. Anyone facing an immigration issue in Pennsylvania should speak with a local immigration attorney<\/a> for up\u2011to\u2011date guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n

The federal government is the primary enforcer of U.S. immigration laws<\/a>. But state and local agencies can assist with enforcing these laws. The level of cooperation between state and federal agencies varies by state and municipality.<\/p>\n

Federal agencies that oversee and enforce immigration laws are:<\/p>\n