An Overview of Immigration Laws in Indiana

Many people assume that immigration is governed by federal policies and that individual states have no say in this matter. But this just isn’t the case. Although the federal government can certainly pass laws related to immigration that affect the entire nation, Indiana also has the right to pass its own immigration laws. And make no mistake, the Hoosier State has exercised this right on more than one occasion. If you’re planning to emigrate to Indiana from another country, it makes sense to become familiar with these laws. 

You can also benefit from working with a qualified immigration attorney in Indiana if you’re serious about living in this state. While there are many laws to keep in mind as you approach the immigration process, working with an attorney ensures that you can avoid common mistakes. With their help, you can emigrate to Indiana in the easiest way possible and make this state your new home. 

The Syrian Refugee Crisis

One of the most recent laws passed by Indiana lawmakers concerned the Syrian refugee crisis. Thousands of Syrian refugees have been trying to settle in the United States since 2011, and some have been successful. In 2015, Governor Pence directed all agencies in Indiana to stop resettling these refugees in the state until the federal government took proper security measures to vet these individuals. 

The Children’s Health Insurance Program

The Children’s Health Insurance Program, often abbreviated as simply the “CHIP,” allows pregnant women or lawfully residing immigrant children to receive healthcare benefits from the state. Although 32 states allowed this, Indiana did not, and it continues to bar these individuals from healthcare services. 

Tuition Rates

Many states have allowed in-state tuition rates to individuals living in the United States without legal permission. Indiana is not one of these states. In 2011, the state enacted a law that banned people from accessing in-state tuition rates if they were living in the nation illegally. 

Identification

Indiana also has its own unique way of approaching identification among immigrants. For example, the state does not issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. That being said, many lawmakers have called upon the state to provide “driving cards” for undocumented immigrants, and they claim that this would stimulate the economy. In addition, many employers in the state use an E-Verify system to determine if prospective employees are legally allowed to work in the nation. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the Indianapolis area for a qualified, experienced immigration attorney, there are plenty of committed legal professionals waiting to assist you. These attorneys can help you understand some of the laws in Indiana mentioned in this article. More importantly, they can help you overcome any obstacles you might be facing as a result of these state-specific laws. Book your consultation today and pursue a new home in the Hoosier State.