Representative Joel Kitchens announced on Apr. 9 that a new law in Wisconsin will allow individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to obtain state licenses. The bill, Assembly Bill 759, was signed by Governor Evers in Milwaukee and is expected to help fill thousands of unfilled jobs across the state.
The legislation aims to address workforce shortages by enabling DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, to pursue licensed professions in Wisconsin. According to Kitchens, “This is an extremely well-vetted group of individuals who entered the country through no choice of their own. They are Americans who know no other country as their home.” He added, “They have proven their value to our society by working, paying taxes, and staying out of trouble. The citizens of Wisconsin have invested in them by paying for their schooling through high school. Now, when they are ready to join the workforce, we force them to go to Illinois?”
Data from the Department of Workforce Development’s Job Openings & Labor Turnover Survey showed that nearly 130,000 job openings existed statewide in November 2025. Employers have reported ongoing difficulties filling these positions with qualified candidates. There are approximately 525,210 DACA-eligible workers nationwide and about 5,370 living in Wisconsin; supporters say this group represents an untapped resource for addressing labor shortages according to official reports.
Kitchens said that nineteen other states already permit DACA recipients access to professional licenses: “We should not let our state fall behind,” he said. “We need to utilize this existing workforce with huge potential. This doesn’t encourage illegal immigration; it allows people who are here legally to get the licenses they need to start a career.” To remain eligible for DACA protections and work authorization, participants must pass biennial background checks and pay fees every two years.
DACA recipients can now apply for state licenses required for various careers such as plumbing or teaching—an opportunity previously unavailable despite meeting all other requirements like having Social Security cards and paying taxes.
Kitchens has served as a Republican representative since his election in 2015 after replacing Garey Bies according to Ballotpedia. He currently represents Door County along with Kewaunee and parts of Brown County.
