State Rep. Ray Reed has reintroduced legislation designed to ensure that Missourians with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status who complete their education and pass required exams are eligible for professional licenses.
DACA is a federal program created in 2012 that allows certain immigrants brought to the United States as children — often called “Dreamers” — to live and work legally if they meet education, residency and background requirements. Many have grown up in the U.S., attended local schools and built their lives here, but in Missouri some still face barriers to entering licensed careers despite completing college and passing professional exams.
Reed said the bill would remove state barriers “that prevent qualified individuals from working in licensed professions such as healthcare, education and other critical fields despite having done everything asked of them to prepare for these careers.”
Similar legislation was enacted in Arkansas in 2021, which supporters say shows that states in the region can take practical, bipartisan steps to strengthen their workforces.
“Missouri has always been at its best when we recognize talent, reward hard work and expand opportunity rather than deny it,” Reed said.
“This bill is rooted in a simple idea: if you’ve studied, trained and proven you’re ready to serve your community, Missouri should not stand in your way. We all benefit when people are allowed to contribute fully to the only home many of them have ever known.”
Advocates say the legislation would help address workforce shortages while honoring the contributions of immigrant families who are deeply woven into Missouri communities.
Gabby Eisner with The MICA Project, an immigrant advocacy organization in Missouri, voiced support for the bill.
“Missouri blocks some immigrants from entering licensed professions, even if they’ve completed college and passed exams,” Eisner said. “These are our friends, our neighbors and our clients who are not able to pursue the occupation of their choice. This bill would help unlock their talent and build a more resilient workforce in Missouri.”
Reed emphasized that the proposal is about practicality and fairness, not partisanship.
“At a moment when Missouri employers are searching for skilled workers, it makes no sense to sideline people who are ready and eager to serve,” he said. “This is about aligning our laws with our values and with common sense so that Missouri can compete, grow and lead.”