House Approves Bill To Ensure Dreamers Get Professional Licenses

The Indiana House overwhelmingly approved legislation Monday to ensure recipients of the federal immigration program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, can receive job licenses.

DACA recipients, also known as “Dreamers,” were barred from those licenses after a recent change to applications at the state’s Professional Licensing Agency. The move brought the agency into compliance with a 2011 state immigration law – but it meant Dreamers couldn’t receive or renew the necessary licenses.

Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany) says the governor’s office and lawmakers want to ensure Dreamers – who are legally allowed to work by the federal government – don’t face barriers at the state level.

“In addition to helping ensure these individuals have access to opportunities, it’s also good for our employers, especially those who are struggling to fill positions such as in nursing,” Clere says.

The House approved the bill 88-8. It now heads back to the Senate.