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 Michigan, as in all states, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, as the authority to regulate immigration is a federal power. This includes laws pertaining to visas, green cards, asylum, deportation, and citizenship. State laws, however, can have significant impacts on immigrants. Michigan requires employers to verify the legal status of their employees, which may involve the use of the federal E-Verify system. Law enforcement in Michigan may also cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration laws. Additionally, Michigan has its own requirements for issuing driver's licenses and state IDs to immigrants, which may vary depending on the individual's immigration status. Access to public benefits for immigrants in Michigan is also subject to both federal eligibility criteria and state regulations, which can restrict access for certain non-citizen groups. It's important to note that while states like Michigan can enact laws that affect immigrants, these laws must not conflict with federal immigration laws.