Illegal immigrants in New York will be able to apply for teaching and other professional licenses under a controversial policy approved by the state Board of Regents.
The new policy will cover the so-called “Dreamers,” undocumented residents who were brought to the US as children and given exemption from deportation under an executive order issued by President Obama in 2012.
“These are young people who came to the US as children,” said state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.
“They are American in every way but immigration status. They’ve done everything right. They’ve worked hard in school, some have even served in the military, but when it’s time to apply for a license, they’re told, ‘Stop. That’s far enough.’ We shouldn’t close the door on their dreams.”
By easing the restrictions on licenses for 53 professions, from engineering to dentistry, the regents are wading into the national immigration debate. GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump has already said he would undo Obama’s executive order as president.
Republicans who control the state Senate slammed the idea.
“Allowing lawbreakers to teach, or practice medicine, says a lot about how backwards our priorities truly are in New York. This is another example of why rule-making by un-elected bureaucrats is what is ruining New York state ,” said Hudson Valley state Sen. Terrence Murphy.
Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch defended the policy, saying, “We shouldn’t be putting up ridiculous barriers.”