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Immigration Policy

Immigration Policy in Lincoln, NE: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Lincoln or are thinking about moving there, immigration policy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lincoln has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of immigration policy, and some of them might surprise you.

E-Verify Mandates

Nebraska §4-114 requires public employers and contractors awarded state or local public contracts to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work eligibility of newly hired employees in Nebraska.

Key details: Statute: NE §4-114. Scope: Public employers, contractors. Private employer mandate: Not required. System: Federal E-Verify.

Contractors found non-compliant face contract termination, debarment from future Lincoln and state contracts, and clawback of paid funds under bidding affirmation provisions.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Nebraska LB 1308 (2018) prohibits any political subdivision, including Lincoln, from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Lincoln has no formal sanctuary designation.

Key details: Statute: NE §28-1320. Bill: LB 1308 (2018). Sanctuary status: Prohibited statewide. Penalty: Loss of state funding.

A municipality adopting sanctuary policies risks loss of state grant funding, taxpayer lawsuits under the statute, and Nebraska Attorney General enforcement actions seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lincoln actively enforces its sanctuary policy preemption requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lincoln's immigration policy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lincoln is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lincoln's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.