Career Development without DACA

Not qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)? Did you know you can apply for a business or professional license even if you do not have a social security number? California has laws allowing individuals, regardless of immigration status, to obtain professional and occupational licensure, given that they meet all other requirements set forth by licensing boards. These laws assist students with navigating their career trajectories.

An important consideration: A licensed undocumented professional without work authorization may earn money as either an independent contractor or business owner, as they cannot be hired legally as employees. Senate Bill (SB) 1159 (bold) SB 1159 is a California state law enacted in September 2014 that requires the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing boards to accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security Number (SSN) for professional licenses. SB 1159 prohibits any entity within the DCA from denying an applicant seeking a professional license based on immigration status. Review the comprehensive list (https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/entities.shtml) of DCA licensing boards.

OTHER ASSEMBLY AND SENATE BILLS Assembly Bill (AB) 2184 (bold) AB 2184 is a California state law enacted in September 2018 that requires local governments (cities/counties) to accept a California ID/driver's license or ITIN in the place of a SSN in issuing business licenses. Senate Bill (SB) 695 (bold) SB 695 is a California state law enacted in September 2018 that prohibits licensing boards from requiring an individual to disclose either citizenship status or immigration status for purposes of licensure, or from denying licensure to an otherwise qualified and eligible individual based solely on his or her citizenship status or immigration. Assembly Bill (AB) 1024 (bold) AB 1024 is an assembly bill enacted in October 2013 that authorizes the Supreme Court to admit an applicant as an attorney at law in all the courts of the state, upon certification of the State Bar of California. Senate Bill (SB) 788 (bold) SB 788 is a senate bill enacted in February 2021 that prohibits consideration of race, religious creed, color, national origin, gender, marital status, sex, sexual identity, or sexual orientation to determine the approximate percentage of the permanent disability caused by other factors. The bill aims to eliminate bias and discrimination in the worker's compensation system. Senate Bill (SB) 1139 (bold) SB 1139 is a senate bill enacted in September 2016 that prohibits specified programs administered by any public or private postsecondary educational institution that offers such a program from denying admissions based on the citizenship status or immigration status of the applicant.