Milwaukee — State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) joined Governor Tony Evers in Milwaukee this morning as he signed Assembly Bill 759 (AB 759) into law. Rivera-Wagner was a lead sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which allows qualified individuals enrolled in the federal DACA program to obtain professional licenses in Wisconsin.
“At a time when we are seeing cruelty and chaos coming out of the federal government, this bill shows Wisconsin can choose a different path,” said Rivera-Wagner. “Immigrants have always been part of our story. This law is about rewarding hard work and taking care of our neighbors.”
AB 759 allows DACA recipients who meet strict federal requirements, including background checks, work authorization, and tax obligations, to obtain professional licenses if they meet all education and training standards.
“From our hospitals to our classrooms to our small businesses, we need people ready to contribute,” Rivera-Wagner said. “These are our neighbors who have done everything we have asked. This law gives them the chance to give back in the professions they trained for.”
The law impacts professions such as nursing, teaching, plumbing, barbering, real estate, dentistry, and cosmetology. There are more than 5,000 DACA recipients in Wisconsin, and at least 19 other states already allow access to professional licenses.
“This is what good government looks like,” Rivera-Wagner added. “When we remove barriers and focus on solutions, we build a stronger Wisconsin for everyone.”
