Empire State Licensing Act (S.1086A / A.675A)
When I graduated from high school, I faced the same reality many of our current Scholars in New York face today. I was in the top 3% of my class, the highest-ranking officer in JROTC, had completed over 1,000 hours of community service, and had earned the Bright Futures Scholarship, which would have paid for my college tuition.
But because I was undocumented, none of it seemed to matter.
Undocumented students face enormous barriers after high school. They are not eligible for Pell Grants or federal student loans, and many scholarships are closed to them. Yet, because of legislation like the New York Dream Act, access to higher education has become possible for so many talented young people.
I was eventually admitted to my local community college, Miami Dade College, where I earned three degrees. Even after earning a bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education K–12, I could not be hired as a teacher, even though I had many job offers, because I lacked work authorization. So instead, I turned to entrepreneurship and built a successful tutoring and educational consulting business. In my first year, I earned more than many of my friends who had gone on to work in public schools.
Then, in 2012, everything changed when DACA was announced. For the first time, I was able to receive a work permit. A year later, I joined the effort to help build TheDream.US.
Had I not been given the chance to go to college, I would not be where I am today.
I have often been asked, “Why invest in a student who cannot legally work?”
To me, that is like asking why you would water a seed before it becomes a tree. Education is how Dreamers prepare for the day they finally get the chance to fully contribute.
Today, TheDream.US has reached a milestone that once felt impossible: 5,000 college graduates.
Many of our Scholars graduating from colleges and universities in New York have been raised and educated in this state. They attended New York schools, were trained by New York institutions, and are prepared to serve New York communities. If they have completed the same education, training, exams, and requirements as their peers, they should be allowed to apply for professional licenses.
A recent survey of our Alumni showed a significant need for professional licensure opportunities in fields such as education, healthcare, social work, law, business, and engineering, among others. The survey also found that 71% of fully undocumented New York graduates are currently earning income through freelancing, family businesses, fellowships, internships, and other forms of work that already contribute to the state’s economy and communities.
At a time when New York faces shortages in education, healthcare, mental health services, and other licensed professions, it makes little sense to block qualified graduates from contributing their skills simply because of immigration status.
That is why the Empire State Licensing Act (S.1086A / A.675A) is so important.
The legislation would ensure that all qualified New Yorkers, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, are eligible to obtain professional, occupational, commercial, and business licenses, as well as permits and certifications required to work in licensed professions.
Professional licensing is not a federal immigration benefit. It is a state determination of skill, preparedness, ethics, and competency.
New York has already invested in these students through its K–12 schools, colleges, and universities. ESLA ensures that investment is not wasted.
The bill removes unnecessary barriers that prevent immigrant New Yorkers — including undocumented students and graduates educated in New York institutions — from fully contributing their skills, education, and training to the state’s workforce and economy.
New York would not be alone in taking this step. Several states have already enacted similar laws ensuring that qualified applicants can receive professional licenses regardless of immigration status, including California (2014), Illinois (2018), New Jersey (2020), New Mexico (2020), Colorado (2021), Delaware (2023), Maryland (2023), and Washington (2024).
The question is not whether these young people are talented enough, educated enough, or prepared enough to contribute. They already are.
The question is whether New York will allow them to.
Maria Gabriela “Gaby” Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US