The New Jersey Senate advanced a bill that would remove proof of lawful presence in the United States as a requirement to obtain a professional or occupational license. S-2455 (Pou)/A-4225 (Mukherji) permits immigrants who are otherwise qualified to obtain professional and occupational licenses to obtain them. The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) supports the legislation as a key to advancing New Jersey’s workforce, providing support to fill labor shortages and providing expertise.
“In the midst of the pandemic our state extended emergency licenses to qualified men and women that call New Jersey home, but have not been able to work due to their immigration status,” said Senator Nellie Pou, who sponsored the bill. “These frontline workers stepped up when our state needed them the most, and they should be able to take their exam and be licensed professionals, regardless of their immigration status, even after we defeat the virus.”
