New York to allow some illegal immigrants to teach

Certain immigrants, who have not entered the US legally, will be allowed to teach and practice medicine in the state of New York following a vote by the licensing board. The eligible people are those who were brought to the country as children.

Lauding this decision, MaryEllen Elia, New York State Education Commissioner, said that but for the immigration status, they were American in every aspect. They are said to have studied hard at the US schools, with some even serving in the military.

Betty Rosa, the newly elected Chancellor to the state Board of Regents, said this move will pave the way for new opportunities for thousands of individuals having the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Obama administration implemented the DACA policy in June 2012 which accords the recipients the legal right to work in America.

Earlier, in the state of New York , certain professional licenses were given only to people who were either American citizens or had legal immigration status, but this new policy is applicable to DACA holders too as long as they possess the educational qualifications required for the licences.

People backing this measure felt that since most of these candidates are bilingual, they would reduce the shortage of bilingual teachers.

As per this policy, immigrants who entered the US when they were under the age of 16 and have been residing in the country continuously since 2007, are eligible to be employed legally.

Even California, Florida and Nevada are said to have lifted some licensing restrictions.

Whether this lenience would be extended even after the American presidential elections, which are scheduled to be held in November 2016, depends on the victor’s party affiliation.