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 the United States, immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, which outline the rights and responsibilities of non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the country, whether temporarily or permanently. The federal government has the primary authority to enforce immigration laws. However, in West Virginia, as in other states, state laws can also impact immigrants. For example, West Virginia may have laws that require employment verification checks, use of the E-Verify system to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the U.S., and stipulations regarding law enforcement's role in immigration matters. Additionally, state regulations may determine the eligibility of immigrants for driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards, as well as access to public benefits, which can be restricted for individuals without legal immigration status. It's important to note that while states can enact laws that affect immigrants, they cannot create their own immigration policies that contradict federal immigration laws.