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 California, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, as immigration is a federal matter. However, state laws also have significant impacts on immigrants. California has enacted several laws that are considered to be immigrant-friendly. For example, California allows undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, limits state law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities (such as through the California Values Act, also known as the 'sanctuary state' law), and provides certain public benefits to immigrants regardless of their legal status. The state also uses the E-Verify system for employment verification, but with some restrictions to prevent discrimination. It's important to note that while California can create policies that affect immigrants within the state, it cannot enact laws that directly contradict federal immigration laws. Immigrants in California seeking to understand their rights and obligations should consult with an attorney who specializes in immigration law.