{"id":352836,"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\/south-carolina-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:05:00","slug":"south-carolina-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/south-carolina-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina 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\">South Carolina 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 27, 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 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">South Carolina follows federal immigration law but adds state rules that shape everyday life for its immigrant community. This includes strict E\u2011Verify requirements for all employers and limits on public benefits and in\u2011state tuition. Undocumented residents cannot obtain a driver\u2019s license or access most state\u2011funded assistance, and some local agencies participate in federal immigration enforcement partnerships.<\/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 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 in South Carolina. Learn more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Law\">Law enforcement and immigration in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#E-Verify\">South Carolina 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 benefit restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Education\">Education restrictions and in-state tuition<\/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=\"#Lawyer\">How an immigration lawyer 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina<\/h2>\n<p>Federal government agencies work with local authorities to manage immigration laws. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/laws-and-policy\/legislation\/immigration-and-nationality-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a>\u00a0(INA)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 287(g)<\/a>\u00a0explains this cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>Under Section 287(g), states have authority, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to perform certain functions of immigration officers. The local government helps identify immigrants with criminal charges.<\/p>\n<p>Some South Carolina municipalities in counties and cities participate in the 287(g) ICE ACCESS Program. ICE provides a full list of participating agencies on its\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/identify-and-arrest\/287g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delegation of Immigration Authority Section 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act webpage<\/a>. Scroll down the page until you see a button titled \u201cView\u00a0287(g) Participating Agencies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the following are some of the government entities that handle immigration matters in the United States:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)<\/a> \u2014 The DHS safeguards the U.S. from security threats. The department manages immigration enforcement, border security, and emergency response coordination. It also handles immigration-related issues.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)<\/a> \u2014 USCIS oversees immigration to the United States. USCIS processes citizenship, green cards, visas, and other immigration benefits.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)<\/a> \u2014 ICE safeguards the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. ICE focuses on enforcing immigration laws. It also conducts investigations and detentions of those who violate these laws.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/investigate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)<\/a> \u2014 The FBI combats a wide range of criminal acts in the U.S. This includes crimes related to immigration, such as smuggling, human trafficking, visa fraud, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"E-Verify\"><\/a>Employment Checks and E-Verify<\/h2>\n<p>On June 27, 2011, the amendments to South Carolina&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.llr.sc.gov\/Immigration\/verification.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illegal Immigration and Reform Act (SCIIRA)<\/a>\u00a0became law. The South Carolina law requires all employers in the state to enroll with the DHS&#8217;s E-Verify system.<\/p>\n<p>The E-Verify system verifies workers&#8217; employment authorization. It compares the employee&#8217;s information with the database and examines their eligibility to work in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>An employer who fails to enroll with E-Verify could face sanctions. The employer could lose their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-licenses-and-permits.html\">business license<\/a> or get probation. Similar sanctions may apply to private employers who hire immigrants without proper documentation.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/llr.sc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation<\/a>\u00a0(LLR) of South Carolina investigates employment complaints. LLR conducts random audits to ensure employers follow verification laws.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-verify.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">E-Verify<\/a> use is mandatory for all public and private employers in South Carolina.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Driver\"><\/a>Driver&#8217;s License and ID Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Applicants for driver&#8217;s licenses in South Carolina must show proof of identification. The following are some of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/scdmvonline.com\/Driver-Services\/Moving-To-SC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">acceptable documents<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>U.S. passport<\/li>\n<li>Birth certificate<\/li>\n<li>Social Security number<\/li>\n<li>Proof of current address<\/li>\n<li>Evidence of name change (if applicable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For non-U.S. citizens in South Carolina, designated DMV branches process their applications. There is a <a href=\"https:\/\/dmv.sc.gov\/driver-services\/lawfully-present-non-us-citizens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">separate checklist for noncitizens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/immigration\/states-offering-drivers-licenses-to-immigrants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigrants\u00a0<\/a><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/immigration\/states-offering-drivers-licenses-to-immigrants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in South Carolina without proper documentation<\/a> <\/span>can&#8217;t get a driver&#8217;s license.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Benefit\"><\/a>Public Benefits Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Immigrants living in South Carolina illegally cannot access most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html\">public benefits<\/a>. For instance, they are not eligible to get:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)<\/li>\n<li>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)<\/li>\n<li>Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/li>\n<li>Medicaid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But they may use services necessary for health and safety. These services include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Emergency health care<\/li>\n<li>Emergency Medicaid<\/li>\n<li>Emergency shelter<\/li>\n<li>Child health care<\/li>\n<li>Access to health care and nutrition programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Education\"><\/a>Education Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.higheredimmigrationportal.org\/state\/south-carolina\/#:~:text=Enacted%20Policies,financial%20aid.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Students without proper documentation<\/a>\u00a0in South Carolina cannot get the following benefits:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>College in-state tuition rates<\/li>\n<li>Student aid or scholarships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The same rules apply 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>\u00a0(DACA) recipients.<\/p>\n<p>Immigrants living in South Carolina legally can get these education benefits if they provide a permanent resident card or visa documents.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Voting\"><\/a>Voting ID Rules<\/h2>\n<p>South Carolina requires voters to show valid and current photo ID <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usvotefoundation.org\/state-voter-information\/south-carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to vote<\/a>. Some of the accepted identification documents are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Voter registration card with picture<\/li>\n<li>Driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\n<li>Department of Motor Vehicles ID card<\/li>\n<li>U.S. passport<\/li>\n<li>Federal military ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"Housing\"><\/a>Housing Ordinances and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">There are no state-specific housing ordinances for immigrants in South Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">But under <\/span>the federal <span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial;margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/fair_housing_act_overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair Housing Act<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">, discrimination in housing is illegal. People, regardless of their immigration status, have a right to equal access to housing. This rule applies whether they rent, buy, take out a mortgage, or seek housing aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Lawyer\"><\/a>Immigration Issue in South Carolina? A Lawyer Can Help<\/h2>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Dealing with immigration on your own can be difficult and stressful. Understanding federal and state laws can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel frustrated and lost in the process. Fortunately, legal help is available for immigration issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Immigration attorneys offer several types of legal services for immigration issues, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Processing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/immigrant-and-non-immigrant-visa-types.html\">U.S. visas<\/a> and work permits<\/li>\n<li>Pursuing U.S. citizenship or naturalization<\/li>\n<li>Applying for lawful permanent residency or a green card<\/li>\n<li>Applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)<\/li>\n<li>Petitioning family members to the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>Providing legal representation in immigration court<\/li>\n<li>Advocating for a loved one who has been detained<\/li>\n<li>Other matters related to immigration law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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 South Carolina. 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 South Carolina: Related Resources<\/h2>\n<p>South Carolina has various charities, organizations, and nonprofits that provide aid to immigrants. These legal resources also help victims of human trafficking or domestic violence. Some of these resources are:<\/p>\n<ul>\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 Use this guide to protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigrationadvocates.org\/nonprofit\/legaldirectory\/organization.393285-Catholic_Charities_Immigration_Services_Greenville_Office\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catholic Charities Immigration Services<\/a> \u2014 This faith-based organization helps with various immigration-related issues. It also helps victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, specifically with VAWA petitions for U visas or T visas.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigrationadvocates.org\/nonprofit\/legaldirectory\/organization.571444-Immigrant_Connection_at_El_Camino\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigrant Connection at El Camino<\/a> \u2014 Learn how to navigate the immigration system and find lower-cost services. This organization is in Greenville.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.llr.state.sc.us\/immigration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigrant Worker Compliance<\/a> \u2014 Find resources and guidelines about the employment of immigrants in South Carolina (S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.usimmigrationsupport.org\/south-carolina.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration to South Carolina<\/a> \u2014 Find resources for immigrants to South Carolina (U.S. Immigration Support).<\/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\" 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 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/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-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\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--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/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--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                                name=\"positive-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--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\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--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 href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL29\" title=\"Immigration Law Attorney Directory\" 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            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/asylum-refugee\/asylum-process.html\">\n                        Asylum Process\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys.html\">\n                        Hiring an Immigration Attorney\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal.html\">\n                        Deportation and Removal\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/international-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/labor-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Labor Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Education Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw covers immigration laws in South Carolina. Learn how rules for public benefits, employment, 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-352836","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352836","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=352836"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399896,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352836\/revisions\/399896"}],"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=352836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352836"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352836"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}