Immigration

This bill requires Iowa's Department of Transportation to verify the citizenship or immigration status of anyone applying for or renewing a driver's license or identification card who cannot prove U.S. citizenship. The verification must be done using the federal SAVE system or any successor federal system to confirm whether the applicant is lawfully present in the United States. If an applicant cannot prove U.S. citizenship and their lawful status cannot be verified through the federal system, the department is prohibited from issuing or renewing the license or identification card. The law applies to all license applicants and renewals, regardless of their immigration status, ensuring consistent verification procedures for all individuals seeking these documents.

SF 2412 requires all state and local government agencies, as well as professional licensing departments, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the immigration status and work eligibility of newly hired employees and license applicants. It establishes a 10-day appeal process for individuals who dispute E-Verify results, allowing them to submit documentation to challenge the findings. If an appeal is unsuccessful or not pursued, agencies must report individuals without legal U.S. status to federal immigration authorities. The bill creates a central "SAVE program clearinghouse" within the state department to manage immigration verification for professional licenses and streamline reporting to federal agencies.