Moderate-Welcoming on Immigration
Virginia Immigration Policy 2026
Immigration laws, sanctuary status, E-Verify requirements, and how immigration shapes the political landscape in Virginia ahead of 2026.
13.2%
Immigrant Population
Moderate-Welcoming
Immigration Stance
Required for state contractors
E-Verify
DL: No
Undoc. Drivers License
Key Immigration Policies
| Sanctuary Status | Arlington and Alexandria are sanctuary jurisdictions |
| E-Verify Requirement | Required for state contractors |
| Drivers License (Undocumented) | No |
| In-State Tuition (Undocumented) | Yes |
| Enforcement Approach | Mixed — Northern Virginia welcoming; rural areas more enforcement-oriented |
Overview
Virginia extended drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants in 2020. Northern Virginia has one of the largest immigrant populations in the mid-Atlantic, with major communities from El Salvador, Korea, India, and China. The state reflects the D.C. area\'s immigrant character.
2026 Political Impact
Virginia is a genuine purple state on immigration. Northern Virginia\'s immigrant communities are key Democratic constituencies; rural Virginia voters lean toward enforcement. Immigration is a top issue in competitive House races.