New Jersey to Allow Professional and Occupational Licensing Regardless of Immigration Status
Last week, the New Jersey Assembly sent legislation to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk that would prohibit the state’s professional and occupational licensing agencies from requiring applicants to establish lawful presence in the United States as a condition of obtaining a professional or occupational license. Gov. Murphy is expected to sign the bill into law according to his spokesperson, Alyana Alfaro, who said in a statement to NorthJersey.com, that “Governor Murphy believes that immigrants are a critical part of the fabric of life in New Jersey and that they should not face unnecessary barriers as they seek to participate in our society and economy.”
The legislation will take effect immediately upon Governor Murphy’s signature. It will prevent the following state agencies from denying licensing because of an applicant’s immigration status in the United States:
- New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
- New Jersey State Board of Architects
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
- Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
- New Jersey State Board of Dentistry
- State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey
- State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
- State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners
- State Board of Medical Examiners
- New Jersey Board of Nursing
- New Jersey State Board of Optometrists
- State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians
- Board of Pharmacy
- State Board of Professional Planners
- State Board of Psychological Examiners
- State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
- New Jersey Real Estate Commission
- State Board of Court Reporting
- State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
- Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
- Acupuncture Examining Board
- State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- State Board of Respiratory Care
- State Real Estate Appraiser Board
- State Board of Social Work Examiners
- State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors
- Elevator, Escalator, and Moving Walkway Mechanics Licensing Board
- State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners
- New Jersey Cemetery Board
- State Board of Polysomnography
- New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
- Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee
To learn more about this blog post or if you have any other immigration concerns, please feel free to contact me at rglahoud@norris-law.com or (484) 544-0022.