Proposal in Illinois Would Allow Non-US Citizens to Serve in Law Enforcement Roles

A new Illinois bill would allow the Land of Lincoln to become the first state to enable non-US citizens to serve in law enforcement.

Bill 3751 Would Let Immigrants Serve as Police Officers – Federal Law Prohibits it

This legislation would allow for work-eligible immigrants to join Illinois law enforcement, including those who obtained Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) upon entering the United States.

The law passed before the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate. The bill’s advocates call it a natural progression for illegal aliens, potentially allowing them to seek careers in either medical, military, or police fields.

Non-Citizens To Have Arrest Powers As Police Officers In Illinois.

House Bill 3571 passed both Houses this past week with Senate Floor Amendment 1.

Welcome UN Soldiers.

— TheTexasOne (@TexasRepublic71)
June 16, 2023

The bill itself is currently awaiting a signature from Governor J.B. Pritzker. However, the law, if enacted, would violate (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5)(A)), which forbids aliens from owning firearms.

The bill states a non-citizen with legal authorization to work in the United States, as per federal regulations and eligibility to apply for a police officer or sheriff position, must also obtain federal approval to acquire, possess, carry, or purchase a firearm.

Bill Would Allow Non-Citizen to Have Authority Over an American

Given its nullification of federal law at a state level and unconstitutional premise, conservatives within Illinois have spoken out against the bill.

New Illinois bill would allow non-citizens (illegals) to receive standard driver’s licenses https://t.co/REpT4PksmB

— RettaLaw 🇺🇸 🇷🇺 (@RettaLaw2)
June 22, 2023

State Senator Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) opposed the proposal, saying granting the authority to apprehend and hold a citizen, whether from this state or any other state in the US, to a non-citizen is a significant violation of constitutional principles.

The very notion goes against the essence of a state’s policing power and, honestly, contradicts the values frequently expressed by those on the opposing side in the legislative building.

The principle of great magnitude, says Rose, is simply unacceptable to delegate the authority to apprehend any citizen of the United States, including those we represent in Illinois, to an individual who is not a US citizen.

The bill is still pending approval from the governor.

This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.