Washington bill could open up licenses for noncitizens

OLYMPIA — Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, introduced House Bill 1889, aiming to grant professional licenses to workers regardless of citizenship status. The bill proposes that immigrants lacking permanent legal status may be eligible for professional licenses if they meet specific occupational requirements. 

“Allowing individuals who are already benefiting from the resources of Washington to continue their study is not just compassionate, it’s a smart policy. By passing this bill we are affirming the values of quality opportunity and the policy that everyone especially has the chance to contribute to the state,” said Daniel Gomez, a representative from the Latino Community Fund in Washington. 

Gomez’s perspective was echoed by numerous students and college representatives, particularly from Eastern Washington schools, who testified in favor of the proposed legislation. 

State agencies would be barred from rejecting an application for a professional license, commercial license certificate, permit, or registration based solely on the applicant’s documentation status. If the bill successfully passes through the legislature applicants would still need to meet other qualifications for the occupation by federal law. 

The bill was not only inspired by constituents but also by Walen’s own experience. Having practiced law in Australia, she relocated to Kirkland after her mother passed away. Upon returning to the U.S., she encountered barriers to practicing law due to rules related to professional licensure. Walen believes that the bill could help alleviate worker shortages in Washington.

“If someone can get through those (qualifications) and show that they are competent to deliver the services that any other person could get an occupation license for, why do we need to know about their federal documentation status,” Walen said.

This bill changes the rules for certain businesses and professions regulated by different sectors of governmental departments including professions regulated under the Department of Labor, health care professionals regulated by the Uniform Disciplinary Act and certified K-12 staff.

Health professions under UDA include a diverse range of professionals. A few occupations affected by the bill include dispensing opticians, midwives, massage therapists, dental hygienists, acupuncturists and respiratory care practitioners.

In Washington, there are more than 10,000 undocumented students in higher education according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.  

During the hearing, students shared how licensing restrictions in the state hinder them from pursuing their chosen careers, forcing them to reconsider their plans. 

At the hearing, students shared on behalf of their peers how they’ve worked hard to get their degrees and are eager to start working. However, licensing restrictions in the state are stopping them from pursuing their chosen career. Now they have to rethink their career plans and look for opportunities in other places. 

Michelle Carrillo, director of governmental affairs for Central Washington University, said the bill would significantly provide equal opportunities to students regardless of immigration status. 

“This bill is about giving students a reason to go to college and graduate. It’s about equality. This bill is about giving everyone, regardless of their status, an opportunity to strive in their respective fields. The majority of jobs students seek after graduation require a professional license to which undocumented students are unsure if they can pursue,” said Carillo. 

In a recent interview with Carillo, said Central Washington University is on the verge of attaining the status of a Hispanic Serving Institution. At present, 22% of the university's student population is Hispanic and the institution is very close to reaching the threshold of 25% required for this designation.

“It is truly inspiring, a lot of these first-generation students have no one to look up to. A goal for them is to give back to their communities and this bill can support them in contributing back,” Carrillo said. 

Under the bill, if it is passed and signed into law, applicants for licenses will use an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number, with the information remaining confidential except for tax, licensing and child support enforcement purposes.

The bill removes the citizenship requirement for licensure qualification in various professions, including private security guards, private investigators, optometrists, bail bond agents, bail bond recovery agents, money transmitters and currency exchangers.

During the hearing, 337 constituents testified in favor of HB 1889 while 59 individuals testified against the bill. Another 11 were undecided.