DACA Recipients, Wisconsin Economy to Receive Boost via Bipartisan Legislation

In a strong display of bipartisanship, the Wisconsin State Senate today gave its solid support to Assembly Bill 759 with a decisive 31-2 vote, advancing the legislation to Governor Tony Evers for his signature. Common Council President José G. Pérez and Alderman DiAndre Jackson said the bill dismantles a longstanding and outdated barrier that has prevented eligible recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — individuals often referred to as ‘Dreamers’ — from obtaining professional and occupational credentials, despite satisfying every other requirement established by the state.

Sponsored by Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and advanced through both legislative chambers with robust bipartisan support—including the pivotal contributions of Senator Jesse James (R-23rd District)—the measure empowers DACA recipients holding unexpired status and valid federal employment authorization to pursue licensure in high-demand professions such as nursing, teaching, plumbing, electrical trades, cosmetology, barbering, real estate, dentistry, and many others, all while preserving the highest professional standards.

President Pérez said the legislation is timely and “directly confronts Wisconsin’s documented workforce shortages in local communities.”

“With approximately 130,000 to 140,000 job openings statewide, we grapple with critical deficits in nursing, where shortages are projected to worsen, teaching (amid a retention crisis), plumbing, electrical trades (hindered by an aging workforce), and a host of other licensed occupations,” President Perez said. “The bill provides a means to help us address these critical workforce deficits.”

At its core, the bill taps into an underutilized yet rigorously vetted workforce. Approximately 5,000 DACA recipients reside in Wisconsin—individuals brought here as children, educated in the state’s schools, thoroughly screened by federal authorities through background checks, Selective Service registration, and bi-annual renewals, and actively contributing via taxes. Though they possess valid work authorization, they have until now been blocked from fully utilizing their skills and training.

Alderman Jackson, chair of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee, said the bill can help the city and state better compete for jobs and projects across many sectors. “Nineteen other states allow DACA recipients to obtain professional licenses – we should not let Wisconsin and Milwaukee fall behind. We need to utilize this important workforce to its fullest and move our city and state forward,” he said.

President Pérez also thanked the work of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee, which authorizes the legislative package that guides the lobbying activity of the city’s Legislative Affairs Division. “The committee members have been longtime supporters of this important legislation, and I thank them for allowing Milwaukee and our lobbying team to engage on the issue,” he said.

It is important to note that this legislation carries no implications for new immigration policy or public benefits. It remains fully consistent with federal law, applies solely to those granted DACA prior to the effective date, and ties the validity of any professional license to continued federal employment authorization.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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