State agencies would refer some benefit applicants to ICE

State agencies and local governments would check an applicant’s lawful presence through the federal SAVE program or its successor. This applies to applicants who sign an affidavit stating they are lawfully present in the United States. Until the federal check is complete, the signed affidavit would count as proof of lawful presence for this law. This provision would apply when the act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval.

A state agency or local government would refer the applicant’s information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The referral would cover an applicant found not to be lawfully present, including the applicant’s unsatisfactory immigration status. The responsible state or local agency would have to make the referral after the lawful-presence determination. This provision would apply when the act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval.