Skip to main content

Pennsylvania Immigration Laws

Immigration law is primarily federal, but Pennsylvania has adopted several immigrant-protective policies at the state level. Some cities, including Philadelphia, have adopted sanctuary-type policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Pennsylvania does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented residents, though it does issue licenses to certain categories of noncitizens with valid immigration status.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Key Pennsylvania Statutes

No Statewide Sanctuary Law (City-Level Policies)Philadelphia Executive Order 8-09 (city level)

Pennsylvania has no statewide sanctuary or anti-sanctuary law. Individual cities set their own policies. Philadelphia has adopted policies limiting city employees' cooperation with ICE detainer requests, while many other municipalities cooperate with federal enforcement.

Driver's License Requirements75 Pa.C.S. § 1510

Pennsylvania requires proof of legal presence to obtain a standard driver's license. Noncitizens with valid immigration status (such as employment authorization, student visa, or permanent residency) may obtain licenses with documentation. Undocumented residents cannot obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license.

Workplace Protections (Federal)Fair Labor Standards Act; federal labor law

Federal labor protections including minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety apply to all workers regardless of immigration status. Pennsylvania's wage and labor laws also apply to all workers.

Public Benefits62 P.S. § 432.21 (Human Services Code)

Pennsylvania requires verification of immigration status for state public assistance programs. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may be eligible for state-funded programs. Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for state public benefits but may receive emergency medical care.

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.

Other Pennsylvania Laws

Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws

FlowLegal Partners Logo
FlowLegalPartnersAccess to Justice

Find licensed attorneys by state and practice area. Legal aid resources, pro bono directories, state law guides, and legal education — all in one place.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. FlowLegal Partners LLC is an attorney advertising, directory, and lead generation platform. We are not a law firm and do not operate as a lawyer referral service. We do not practice law, evaluate legal matters, provide legal advice, make legal judgments, or recommend or endorse any specific attorney. AI-generated work product requires attorney review and approval before use. Attorney supervision of all AI output is required and is the sole responsibility of the subscribing firm. Attorneys listed on our platform pay for advertising and/or lead generation services. The presence of an attorney on our platform does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

© 2025–2026 FlowLegal Partners LLC