RE: New York Empire State Licensing Act
Submitted for the
2025 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing Labor and Workforce Development
February 26, 2025
TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college and career success program for Dreamers, strongly supports S.1089 (Rivera)/A.675 (Cruz), the Empire State Licensing Act.
This critical legislation seeks to unlock opportunities for New Yorkers by allowing all individuals—regardless of immigration status—to obtain professional and occupational licenses in high-demand fields like healthcare, education, and social work. With workforce shortages putting a strain on essential services, it is imperative that we remove outdated barriers that prevent qualified immigrants, refugees, and New Americans from fully using their skills. By doing so, this bill will not only expand economic opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers but also strengthen industries critical to the state’s well-being and prosperity.
New York is home to more than 4.5 million immigrants—over 23% of the state’s population. Among them are thousands of Dreamers who have grown up in New York, attended its schools, and graduated from its colleges and universities. These young professionals, in whom their families and the state have already invested significantly, have the education and skills to fill essential roles in key industries. With workforce shortages in the state exceeding 40,000 nurses, 180,000 teachers, and critical gaps in mental health services, New York cannot afford to sideline a trained and capable workforce.
More than two-thirds of TheDream.US Scholars and alumni have pursued careers in business, healthcare, and education—sectors facing acute worker shortages. The data underscores their contributions: among our 800+ Scholars currently enrolled across 18 CUNY and 3 SUNY campuses, 26% are studying Science, Math, and Technology, 25% are in Social Sciences, and 12% are in Health and Medicine. Of our 800+ alumni, many are already working in critical sectors—22% in Health and Medicine, 19% in Public and Social Services, and 15% in Education. These numbers illustrate that Dreamers are well-prepared to meet New York’s workforce demands, particularly in licensed professions such as healthcare and teaching.
Dreamers are strengthening our communities—when given the opportunity. One of our scholars, a graduate of Queens College, shared her journey:
“TheDream.US and my degree has impacted my life in a very positive way. I was able to double major and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary & Early Childhood Education and Sociology. After obtaining my degree COVID-19 hit my family hard, no one in my home was working for months. However, in October 2020, I was offered a long-term substitute teaching position by the NYC Department of Education which then progressed into a full-time teaching position. While working as a full-time teacher I was able to fund my way through graduate school and obtain a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as an extension in Special Education. I am currently working as a 3rd grade teacher in an ICT setting classroom. Access to an education and the ability to become a licensed teacher propelled me to succeed as a teacher and professional.”
New York is falling behind other states that have already taken action. Eleven states— including California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Vermont, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington—have passed licensure bills to address workforce shortages. Neighboring New Jersey enacted its law in 2020, and Maryland followed in 2023 with strong bipartisan support. As Maryland’s Senate sponsor, Senator Kagan, stated: “We are seeing crisis-level shortages in Maryland’s hospitals… This law will allow hospitals to hire critically needed staff and provide health care to all Marylanders.”
New York must not be left behind. The state’s future depends on a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and fully included in its economic engine. Passing the Empire State Licensing Act will solidify New York’s leadership in opportunity, inclusion, and economic growth. We urge the Legislature to act swiftly to remove these unnecessary barriers, allowing all New Yorkers to fully contribute to their full potential.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to a stronger, more inclusive New York that stabilizes families, strengthens our workforce, and fuels New York’s state and local economies.