Video

Alondra: A DACA Nurse Providing Care Despite Barriers

This video highlights the experience of Alondra, an emergency department registered nurse and DACA recipient who has to cross state lines to work as a nurse because of state licensing barriers. Her story illustrates both the obstacles facing DACA nurses and the vital role they play in strengthening America's nursing workforce.

Despite the many opportunities Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has opened, recipients like Alondra still face barriers obtaining professional licenses. Under federal law, DACA recipients are not eligible to receive state or local public benefits, including professional licenses, by default. However, the statute authorizes states to enact laws offering eligibility for state and local benefits, including professional licenses, to DACA recipients and other individuals who are not “qualified” immigrants, nonimmigrants, or people paroled into the United States. As demand for nurses continues to outpace supply, DACA recipients play a vital role in the nursing workforce, even as federal law limits their opportunities and creates ongoing uncertainty about their future.

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The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

AUTHOR

Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer

Senior Policy Analyst, Immigration Policy

PRODUCERS

Hai-Lam Phan

Managing Director, Creative

Olivia Mowry

Video Producer

Toni Pandolfo

Video Producer

Team

A woman, originally from Bangladesh, holds her 7-month-old daughter as she recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

Immigration Policy

We aim to create a fair, humane, orderly, and workable immigration system to strengthen the United States.

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