Migrants who get deported from the U.S. can now keep their professional licenses from Illinois under a new law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. House Bill 5457, signed into law last week, ensures that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation cannot revoke, suspend, or take any disciplinary action against a license or permit issued under Illinois law solely due to an immigration violation.
State Representative Barbara Hernandez from Aurora introduced this bill. She explained that the federal government often takes a long time to review documents needed for license renewal. The new law ensures that migrants don’t lose their jobs while waiting for their documents to be processed.
During a debate on April 17, 2024, State Representatives Barbara Hernandez and Dan Ugaste discussed the bill. Hernandez emphasized the importance of keeping migrants employed while they wait for their documents. Ugaste, however, raised concerns about Illinois being responsible for monitoring migrants who are deported and providing services from another country. He worried about how Illinois would handle issues like malpractice if they occurred overseas.
In addition to protecting licenses, the new law also requires that all exams conducted or authorized by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must provide reasonable accommodations for applicants who do not speak English as their first language. This ensures that non-English speakers have a fair chance at obtaining and retaining their professional licenses.
The new law will take effect on January 1, 2025.
This legislation is a significant step for Illinois, aiming to support migrants and ensure they can continue their professional careers even if they face deportation. It reflects a commitment to maintaining a skilled workforce and providing equal opportunities for all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
By allowing deported migrants to keep their professional licenses, Illinois ensures that they can continue working and providing for their families. This is especially important in professions where there is a high demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, construction, and education. The new law also recognizes the lengthy and often complicated process of immigration documentation, which can unfairly disrupt the careers of hardworking professionals.
State Representative Hernandez highlighted the practical side of this law, noting that it prevents unnecessary unemployment during the waiting period for document renewal. This approach not only benefits the migrants but also the Illinois economy by retaining skilled professionals within the workforce.
Representative Ugaste’s concerns bring up an important aspect of the law. Monitoring the professional conduct of license holders who are no longer in the country is challenging. However, the law’s supporters believe that the benefits outweigh the potential risks. They argue that maintaining professional licenses is crucial for migrants’ livelihoods and their ability to contribute to their communities, whether in Illinois or elsewhere.
The provision for reasonable accommodations in exams also showcases Illinois’ commitment to inclusivity. By ensuring that non-English speakers are not at a disadvantage, the state promotes fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants.
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Overall, this new law represents a progressive move by Illinois to support its migrant population and ensure that professional opportunities remain accessible, regardless of immigration status. It underscores the state’s dedication to fairness, inclusivity, and the well-being of all its residents. As the law goes into effect in 2025, it is expected to have a positive impact on many lives, helping deported migrants maintain their careers and continue contributing to society.
