A new bill taking effect in coming weeks will allow for non-U.S. citizens to apply to become police officers.
HB 3751 was passed by both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year. The bill’s language says that “individuals who are not citizens, but are legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law” will be allowed to apply for jobs with police departments.
An amendment to the bill also will allow those whose immigration action has been deferred under the terms of DACA to apply for roles as police officers.
While the bill generated plenty of criticism, Pritzker emphasized that the legislation would be limited to individuals who are legally allowed to work in the United States, and who are legally allowed to possess firearms.
“We have the ability for people who are legally here in this country, and permanent residents and DACA residents, to apply for jobs as police officers,” he said.
READ: 64 new laws that will take effect in 2024
Reps. Mary Miller and Lauren Boebert were among Republicans to condemn the bill, arguing that the legislation would allow individuals who entered the U.S. illegally to apply for positions.
