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 the United States, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, which outline the rights and responsibilities of non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the country. This includes provisions for visas, asylum, green cards, citizenship, and deportation processes. In Kentucky, as in other states, while the federal government primarily handles immigration enforcement, state laws can also impact immigrants. Kentucky has adopted measures that affect employment verification, with employers being encouraged to use the E-Verify system to check the work authorization status of new hires. Additionally, Kentucky law enforcement may cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The state also has regulations regarding driver's license eligibility and public benefits, which can affect both legal and illegal immigrants. It's important to note that state laws must not conflict with federal immigration laws and are often designed to complement federal enforcement efforts.