Oregon immigration laws give noncitizen residents a set of state-level protections that operate independently of federal immigration enforcement. State statutes limit how police and public agencies cooperate with immigration authorities, let all residents get a standard driver’s license, fund health coverage and college financial aid for people who can’t access federal programs, protect workers from immigration-based retaliation, and pay for free legal representation in deportation cases.
Sanctuary Limits on State and Local Cooperation
The core rule is ORS 181A.820. It prohibits any Oregon law enforcement agency from spending money, using equipment, or assigning personnel to detect or apprehend people solely for federal immigration enforcement purposes. Agencies also cannot enter formal or informal agreements with federal immigration authorities to detain people for civil immigration violations.1Oregon State Legislature. Oregon Code 181A.820 – Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws; Civil Action for Violation
The line is between civil and criminal. Oregon police can arrest someone on a criminal federal immigration charge if a federal magistrate has issued a warrant, and they can exchange information with federal authorities during a criminal investigation of a specific named person. Civil immigration matters, like an expired visa or an ICE detainer request, fall outside what state and local agencies are allowed to help with.2Oregon State Legislature. Oregon Code 181A.820 – Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws; Civil Action for Violation
The 2021 Sanctuary Promise Act (House Bill 3265) extended these limits from police to every public body in Oregon. Under ORS 181A.823, state and local agencies cannot ask about or collect information on a person’s immigration status, citizenship, or country of birth unless the information is needed for a criminal investigation, a court proceeding, or determining eligibility for a benefit that person is applying for. When someone is detained, officers must give written notice that the person has the right to refuse to disclose nationality or immigration status, and that disclosure could lead to immigration enforcement including removal.3Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 181A.823 – Prohibitions Related to Immigration Enforcement
State and local agencies also cannot share information about someone in their custody with federal immigration authorities for civil enforcement. The exceptions are narrow: a judicial subpoena signed by a court, or information already publicly available. An administrative subpoena issued by federal immigration authorities does not count as a judicial subpoena under Oregon law.3Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 181A.823 – Prohibitions Related to Immigration Enforcement
Courthouse Arrests
Oregon defines “court facility” broadly to include the courtroom, adjacent sidewalks, parking areas, plazas, court-related offices, and building entrances and exits.4Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 181A.822 – Definitions for ORS 181A.822 to 181A.829 State law prohibits arresting someone in or around a court facility, or while traveling to or from court, on an immigration warrant unless a judge has signed the warrant. The Oregon Department of Justice has noted that this restriction may not be enforceable against federal agents, who operate under their own authority.5Oregon Department of Justice. Sanctuary Promise Guidance
Enforcement
Federal immigration requests to Oregon agencies that come without a judicial order must be documented, reported, and denied. Anyone who believes an agency violated these rules can file a civil lawsuit to stop the violation. Oregon also prohibits private entities from operating immigration detention facilities inside the state.5Oregon Department of Justice. Sanctuary Promise Guidance
Driver’s Licenses and ID for All Residents
Oregon’s Equal Access to Roads Act (House Bill 2015, 2019) removed the requirement to prove legal presence when applying for a standard driver’s license, permit, or ID card. Any resident can qualify by passing the written and driving tests, paying fees, and providing proof of identity and residency, regardless of citizenship.6Oregon State Legislature. Oregon HB 2015 – Relating to Documents Issued by the Department of Transportation
Standard Oregon licenses are not REAL ID compliant. The card is marked “Not for REAL ID Act” in the upper right corner and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities that require REAL ID. A REAL ID-compliant license requires an in-person DMV visit, original documents proving identity, date of birth, lawful status, and two proofs of residential address, and an added $30 fee.7Oregon Department of Transportation. Oregon REAL ID FAQs The standard card still works for driving, buying auto insurance, traffic stops, and age verification.
Health Coverage Through Healthier Oregon
Healthier Oregon provides state-funded health coverage to residents who meet Oregon Health Plan income thresholds but cannot get federal Medicaid because of immigration status. Benefits are the same as standard OHP: physical, behavioral, and oral health care, primary care, emergency and hospital services, and prescriptions.8Oregon Health Authority. More Coverage, Lower Costs – The Facts Behind Healthier Oregon
Eligibility covers all ages and includes people with DACA, student or work visas, refugee status, lawful permanent residents, and anyone who would qualify for Medicaid but for their immigration status.8Oregon Health Authority. More Coverage, Lower Costs – The Facts Behind Healthier Oregon
Coverage is changing for some enrollees. Starting October 2026, certain adults on Healthier Oregon, including refugees, asylees, and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking, will move to a new enrollment structure. By January 2027 members will be on “OHP Open Card,” which keeps the same benefits but may change available providers because members will no longer be enrolled through a coordinated care organization.9Oregon Health Authority. Oregon Health Plan Changes in Late 2026 to 2028
In-State Tuition and State Financial Aid
Under ORS 352.287, Oregon’s tuition equity law, undocumented students can pay in-state tuition at public universities. A student must have attended an Oregon elementary or secondary school for the three years immediately before earning a diploma or leaving school, received a high school diploma or GED in Oregon, and certified their intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.10Oregon Student Aid. DACA Undocumented Students
Students who can’t file the federal FAFSA because of immigration status can complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) instead. ORSAA is open to Oregon residents who are undocumented or have DACA status, Temporary Protected Status, or a valid U-visa, and it determines eligibility for state aid programs including the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the Oregon Promise Grant, and need-based scholarships.11Oregon Student Aid. FAFSA / ORSAA
The Oregon Opportunity Grant is the state’s largest need-based grant. For the 2026-27 academic year, students at the highest need level can receive up to $4,320 per year at a community college or $8,352 at a four-year institution, with awards decreasing on a sliding scale based on financial need.12Oregon Student Aid. Oregon Opportunity Grant
Workplace Protections
ORS Chapter 659A prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report violations or file complaints, including using immigration status to discourage wage claims or safety reports. Workers who face this retaliation can file a complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries or bring a private lawsuit for damages and attorney fees.
A newer law, House Bill 4111, takes effect June 5, 2026. It makes it an explicit unlawful employment practice to fire, retaliate against, or discriminate against an employee because they update personal information based on a lawful change in federal employment authorization documents. That covers the paperwork transitions that come with work permit renewals or a change in status.
Federal law still requires every employer to complete I-9 forms verifying work authorization. Oregon does not require private employers to use E-Verify, the federal system that checks employee information against federal databases in real time. Employers with federal contracts may be required to use E-Verify under those contracts, but the state itself does not mandate it for ordinary businesses.
Free Legal Representation in Deportation Cases
Immigration court is a civil proceeding, and there is no constitutional right to a court-appointed attorney. Oregon funds the Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO), a collaborative of community organizations, nonprofits, and attorneys, to work toward universal representation so no Oregon resident faces removal proceedings without a lawyer.13Equity Corps of Oregon. ECO Legal
ECO provides legal consultations, full representation before the Portland Immigration Court and USCIS, and social service support. The program has financial eligibility requirements and asks applicants for income information. It focuses on Oregon residents at risk of deportation or needing help with an immigration matter.14Oregon Law Help. Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) Immigration Legal Services
In June 2025, the Oregon legislature allocated $4.5 million to the Oregon State Bar to support universal representation through ECO, along with $10.5 million for Oregon Worker Relief.15Equity Corps of Oregon. ECO Update Private immigration attorneys commonly charge $3,000 to $10,000 or more, so the state-funded option is often the only realistic path to representation.