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 Oklahoma, 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, Oklahoma has adopted measures that require employers to use the E-Verify system to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States. Law enforcement in Oklahoma may also cooperate with federal immigration authorities in certain circumstances. Additionally, the state has regulations regarding the issuance of driver's licenses to immigrants and restrictions on access to public benefits for those without legal immigration status. It's important to note that while state laws can complement federal immigration laws, they cannot contradict federal immigration policy.