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 Nevada, as in all states, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, which dictate the rights and obligations of non-U.S. citizens wishing to enter, reside, or work in the United States. The federal government has the authority to enforce immigration laws, and this includes the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). However, Nevada state laws also affect immigrants, both legal and illegal. For instance, Nevada requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. State law enforcement may also cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. Nevada allows eligible undocumented immigrants to obtain driver authorization cards, which are not full-fledged driver's licenses but allow them to drive legally in the state. Additionally, Nevada restricts access to certain public benefits for undocumented immigrants, in line with federal requirements. It's important for individuals to consult with an attorney to understand how both federal and state laws may impact their specific situation.