A group of Wisconsin State Reps have proposed a group of bills that would allow DACA recipients access to in-state college tuition and professional licenses. Cooperation on this sort of issue in our state is almost unheard of!
What are the details and how does this impact Wisconsin’s Paychecks?
Here’s Five Fast Facts on Wisconsin’s New DACA Bills:
- 🪪 DACA? - The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protects around 580,000 young people (AKA “Dreamers”) who illegally entered the country as children. Most of the Dreamers are now adults but they are not granted official legal status or citizenship. But they are protected from deportation. They can also apply for a driver’s license, social security number, and work permit.
- 🔄 Sudden Switch - Republicans largely oppose DACA. So why is our legislature suddenly onboard with it? Easy: Wisconsin is experiencing a workforce shortage and a decline in state university enrollment. In other words: "cha-ching!"🤑
- 🏫 Details - The bills would allow Wisconsin DACA recipients to apply for professional licenses in fields like nursing, teaching, engineering, and construction. Another would grant in-state tuition to Wisconsin colleges. Another offers recipients a tax credit to offset the cost of renewing their DACA status.
- 🚚 Following the Lead - Currently 24 other states and Washington DC offer in-state tuition to Dreamers, and 18 of them provide some level of access to professional licenses.
- 🧾 Try, Try Again - Gov. Evers had similar measures in his 2023 budget proposal, but they were removed by State Republicans, so there is no way to tell if it will be signed into law or even make it to his desk.
🔥Bottom line: Is this bill a sign that anti-immigrant policies actually did more harm than good? Maybe. The shortage of workers in low-paying and high-stress industries is apparently enough of a motivator for some lawmakers to re-think their positions. The true sign will be if the bill sinks or swims.
What do you think of these bills?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
Btw, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
