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 Ohio, 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. Ohio state laws may impact immigrants in various ways, such as through employment verification requirements. Ohio employers are encouraged to use the federal E-Verify system to check the work authorization status of new hires, although it is not mandatory for all businesses. Law enforcement in Ohio may also cooperate with federal immigration authorities to a certain extent, although policies can vary by jurisdiction. Ohio does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Regarding public benefits, Ohio restricts access to certain state-funded assistance programs for non-U.S. citizens, in line with federal guidelines. It's important for immigrants in Ohio to understand both federal immigration laws and the specific ways in which state laws and policies may affect their rights and obligations.