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Can non-Citizens to be police officers
Have you heard the news that Illinois will allow non-citizens to become police officers? What is all that about?
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2 Replies
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Illinois has enacted a law, House Bill 3751, allowing non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. to become police officers. This includes individuals with green cards, work visas, and those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Contrary to some claims, the law does not allow illegal immigrants to become police officers. The individuals must also be authorized to carry firearms under federal law. This move aims to address police recruitment challenges and diversify the workforce
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I’m aware of recent news about changes to police officer eligibility in Illinois. Still, I want to clarify some important details: The law in question allows legal permanent residents (green card holders) to become police officers in Illinois, but it does not allow illegal immigrants to become police officers. This change was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in July 2023 and went into effect on January 1, 2024. The law removes the requirement that police officers be U.S. citizens. Still, it requires them to be legally authorized to work in the United States. This change applies to state and local law enforcement agencies in Illinois, not federal agencies requiring U.S. citizenship. This law aims to expand the pool of potential police recruits and increase diversity in law enforcement. Illinois is not the first state to allow non-citizens to serve as police officers. Some other states, including California, Colorado, and Nevada, already have similar policies. It’s important to note that this law specifically pertains to legal permanent residents, not illegal immigrants. The distinction is crucial for understanding the scope and intent of the policy change.