Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill last week that allows non-U.S. citizens to apply for police officer positions. On Monday, he defended the legislation, clarifying that it is limited to individuals who are legally allowed to work and possess firearms in the United States. The bill, known as HB 3751, was passed by both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year and is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Despite the governor’s clarification, the bill has faced criticism and backlash. Representatives Mary Miller and Lauren Boebert, among other Republicans, argue that the legislation would enable individuals who entered the U.S. illegally to apply for these positions. Former Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson also opposed the bill, stating that it “defies common sense” for non-citizens to arrest and detain legal citizens.
Governor Pritzker pushed back against these criticisms, calling them a misrepresentation of the bill’s language. He expressed frustration with the right-wing for spreading misinformation through social media. Pritzker cited other states, such as California, that have similar legislation in place. He also highlighted the fact that thousands of legal permanent residents and recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are currently serving in the U.S. military.
Witness slips filed in support of the legislation came from representatives of the Illinois Municipal League and the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7. Initially, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police opposed the measure but later amended their stance to neutral.
It is important to note that this article has been updated to reflect the change in the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police’s position on the bill.
The introduction of this legislation in Illinois aligns with a growing trend in other states. While the controversy persists, supporters argue that this policy will help diversify police forces and provide opportunities to qualified individuals who are legally authorized to work and protect the community.