Last week, the New Jersey Assembly sent legislation to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk that would prohibit the state’s professional and occupational licensing agencies from requiring applicants to establish lawful presence in the United States as a condition of obtaining a professional or occupational license. Gov. Murphy is expected to sign the bill into law according to his spokesperson, Alyana Alfaro, who said in a statement to NorthJersey.com, that “Governor Murphy believes that immigrants are a critical part of the fabric of life in New Jersey and that they should not face unnecessary barriers as they seek to participate in our society and economy.”

Professional and Occupational Licensing

The legislation will take effect immediately upon Governor Murphy’s signature. It will prevent the following state agencies from denying licensing because of an applicant’s immigration status in the United States:

1. New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
2. New Jersey State Board of Architects
3. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
4. Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
5. New Jersey State Board of Dentistry
6. State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey
7. State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
8. State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners
9. State Board of Medical Examiners
10. New Jersey Board of Nursing
11. New Jersey State Board of Optometrists
12. State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians
13. Board of Pharmacy
14. State Board of Professional Planners
15. State Board of Psychological Examiners
16. State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
17. New Jersey Real Estate Commission
18. State Board of Court Reporting
19. State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
20. Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
21. Acupuncture Examining Board
22. State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
23. State Board of Respiratory Care
24. State Real Estate Appraiser Board
25. State Board of Social Work Examiners
26. State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors
27. Elevator, Escalator, and Moving Walkway Mechanics Licensing Board
28. State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
29. Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners
30. New Jersey Cemetery Board
31. State Board of Polysomnography
32. New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
33. Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee