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 Arkansas, as in all states, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, which outline the rights and responsibilities of non-U.S. citizens seeking to enter, reside, or work in the United States. The federal government has the primary authority to enforce immigration laws, but state laws can also have significant impacts on immigrants. Arkansas has implemented measures that affect immigrants, such as employment verification through the E-Verify system, which employers may use to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. Additionally, Arkansas law enforcement may cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration laws. The state also has regulations pertaining to the issuance of driver's licenses and the accessibility of public benefits, which can affect both legal and illegal immigrants. It's important to note that while state laws can influence certain aspects of the immigrant experience, they must not conflict with overarching federal immigration laws.