Immigration law in the United States generally includes the rights and obligations of persons who are not U.S. citizens to temporarily visit or more permanently reside in the U.S.—and for federal and state governments to enforce immigration laws regarding visitors and residents.
Most immigration law consists of federal statutes and regulations—but many state laws impact both legal and illegal immigrants—including employment checks, E-Verify, law enforcement, driver's license requirements, public benefits restrictions, and more.
In Arizona, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, as immigration is a matter under the jurisdiction of the federal government. This includes laws that determine the rights and obligations of non-U.S. citizens who wish to visit, live, or work in the United States. However, Arizona has state laws that also affect immigrants, both legal and undocumented. For instance, Arizona has been known for its stringent laws on employment verification, requiring employers to use the E-Verify system to check the work authorization of their employees. Law enforcement in Arizona may also play a role in immigration enforcement, and there have been controversial measures in the past, such as SB 1070, which expanded the powers of local police to enforce immigration laws. Additionally, Arizona imposes certain restrictions on driver's licenses and public benefits for undocumented immigrants. It's important for individuals to understand that while the federal government sets immigration policy, state laws can have significant implications for their day-to-day lives in Arizona.