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 Pennsylvania, 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. State laws in Pennsylvania may influence the lives of immigrants in various ways, such as through employment verification requirements, where employers may be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States. Law enforcement in Pennsylvania may also cooperate with federal immigration authorities to a certain extent, although such cooperation can vary based on local policies. Additionally, Pennsylvania has its own rules regarding the issuance of driver's licenses and state identification cards to immigrants, as well as restrictions on public benefits, which may be limited to legal residents and citizens. It is important for immigrants in Pennsylvania to understand both federal immigration laws and the specific state statutes that can affect their rights and responsibilities within the state.