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 Nebraska, as in all states, 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 pertaining to visas, green cards, asylum, deportation, and citizenship. However, state laws can also impact immigrants. For instance, Nebraska requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system to check the work eligibility of new hires to ensure they are authorized to work in the United States. Law enforcement in Nebraska may also cooperate with federal immigration authorities, although the extent of this cooperation can vary. Additionally, Nebraska has provisions regarding the issuance of driver's licenses and state IDs to immigrants, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Public benefits in Nebraska are generally restricted to legal residents, although some exceptions may apply for certain services. It's important for immigrants in Nebraska to understand both federal immigration laws and the specific state statutes that can affect their rights and responsibilities.