US State To Allow Illegals To Become Police Officers

According to The Post Millennial, Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has approved a new law, House Bill 3751, which allows non-citizens, specifically DACA recipients, to pursue careers as police officers. The governor highlighted that this law enables individuals who are legally present in the country, including permanent residents and DACA recipients, to apply for these positions. DACA residents refer to individuals who arrived in the United States as minors, brought here illegally by their parents.

The law permits individuals who are not U.S. citizens but have legal authorization to work in the country under federal law to apply for the position of a police officer. These applicants are subject to all the same requirements and limitations as other candidates, with the exception of citizenship. However, they must be eligible to possess and purchase a firearm under federal law in order to be considered for the position.

The Post Millennial notes that federal law prohibits non-U.S. citizens from serving as police officers and deputies. However, Police 1’s analysis reveals that the specific job requirements for police officers vary across states and agencies. While many departments seek certain minimum qualifications in their applicants, one of these requirements typically includes being a citizen of the United States.

For example, the UCLA police force follows a hiring standard that requires applicants to be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. These applicants must become U.S. citizens at the time of appointment, and resident aliens are eligible if they have applied for citizenship at least one year before taking the written test.

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police expressed their opinion about the legislation, stating that it conveys an incorrect message and permits individuals without legal status to become law enforcement officers.