INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -
A proposal that would lift a prohibition on young immigrants referred to as
“Dreamers” from obtaining state professional licenses could soon be taken up
by the full Indiana Legislature.
The House and
Senate are expected to vote on the bill after conference committee members
expressed support for it Tuesday.
Republican Rep. Ed
Clere of New Albany championed the effort. He says he’s confident it will be
approved.
“Dreamers,” who
were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, are allowed to work and
study under former President Barack Obama’s program known as Deferred Action
for Childhood Arrivals.
But recent changes
adopted by Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency bars DACA recipients from
obtaining licenses for dozens of occupations ranging from cosmetology to
nursing. The agency said it’s following a 2011 state law.