In Washington State, House Bill 1889 is sparking discussions about easing professional licensing for undocumented residents.
This potential legislative change aims to remove U.S. citizenship requirements, offering opportunities for individuals like Daniel Gomez, who faced obstacles pursuing his dream of becoming a nurse due to regulatory barriers.
Advocating for Change: Undocumented Testimonies
Undocumented Washingtonians, including Gomez, testified before the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee in favor of HB1889.
The bill proposes eliminating the U.S. citizenship prerequisite for specific professions, such as optometrists, private investigators, and security guards, making use of individual tax identification numbers instead of Social Security numbers.
Licensing Dilemmas for Undocumented Individuals
As of 2021, around 22% of U.S. jobs require professional licenses, a significant increase since the 1950s. However, licensing requirements, including the need for a Social Security number, pose challenges for undocumented individuals.