Oregon Immigration Laws

Oregon's 1987 sanctuary law — the first in the nation — prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using agency funds, equipment, or personnel to detect or apprehend persons whose only violation is federal immigration law. This does not prevent law enforcement from cooperating on criminal investigations.

All Oregon residents can obtain a standard driver's license regardless of immigration status. HB 2015 (2019) replaced the prior "driver card" program with full standard licenses (not marked as limited).

Oregon has no statewide E-Verify mandate for private employers. Only federal contractors and subcontractors are required to use E-Verify under federal law.

Undocumented students who attended an Oregon high school for at least 3 years and graduated (or obtained a GED) qualify for in-state tuition at public universities and community colleges. The Oregon Opportunity Grant (state financial aid) is also available.