How should NH address immigration issues in 2025?

Immigration law has dominated the national conversation for the last several years. As is often the case, this has led state lawmakers to consider how New Hampshire law should address the issue, as well. This year, Granite State legislators have submitted a slew of bills related to non-residents and immigration, including changes to how driver’s licenses are issued, the concept of “sanctuary cities,” and more. Here are some notable 2025 bills dealing with immigration in New Hampshire.

Immigration enforcement and policing

Since immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction, state and local police in New Hampshire have limited authority in this area. However, several bills this session seek to address the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters:

• HB 343 would add new reporting requirements to the semi-annual report on the Northern Border Alliance program, which funds increased law enforcement along New Hampshire’s Canadian border. Specifically, the bill requires data on the race of anyone arrested or cited, if available in official documents.
• HB 438 would regulate how immigration detention facilities operate in New Hampshire, including a requirement for the Governor to obtain Executive Council approval before deploying the National Guard to such facilities.
• HB 511 and SB 71 both prohibit state and local governments from enacting "sanctuary policies" that impede cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. An amendment to HB 511 clarifies that state and local police cannot inquire about immigration status unless a person is already in custody.
• SB 62 would prohibit state and local governments from blocking law enforcement participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows local officers to carry out some immigration enforcement duties under federal supervision.

Driver’s licenses for non-citizens

Whether or not non-citizens are allowed to have state-issued driver’s licenses has been a hot topic for states across the nation recently, with various states handling the issue differently. This year, New Hampshire legislators are considering two bills on this topic:

• HB 452 would change the state’s driver’s license law for legal immigrants who are not U.S. citizens, prohibiting the DMV from issuing licenses to asylees until they obtain permanent resident status. It also institutes a special marking on all licenses issued to nonresident aliens.
• SB 13 would make it illegal for undocumented immigrants who obtained a driver’s license in another state to drive in New Hampshire. Initially, violations were to be treated as misdemeanors, but an amendment downgraded the penalty to a violation, similar to a speeding ticket. The bill also requires the DMV to maintain an updated list of out-of-state licenses that are invalid in New Hampshire.

Nonprofits and social services for immigrants

Some legislation this session focuses on the role of nonprofits and educational institutions in assisting undocumented immigrants:

• HB 635 would apply the business enterprise tax to nonprofit organizations that assist in settling undocumented immigrants who did not enter the country through a legal port of entry.
• HB 71 would prohibit public schools and colleges from serving as shelters for undocumented immigrants unless there is a declared disaster.

Business and employment regulations

Two bills proposed requiring employers to verify the immigration status of employees using the federal E-Verify system. However, these bills do not appear likely to pass in 2025, as they face strong opposition from business leaders:

• HB 69 required all employers to use E-Verify but has already been rejected by the House.
• SB 177 proposes requiring E-Verify for businesses with 25 or more employees and is still under consideration.

What do you think?

Do you support efforts to strengthen state laws related to immigration? Or, are you in favor of limiting the role of the state in federal immigration enforcement? Let your legislators know where you stand by contacting them. Find out how using the Elected Officials page on our website.