New York's professional licensing system continues to bar qualified immigrants and refugees from obtaining the licenses they need to work, not because they lack the necessary training, but solely because of their immigration status. This leaves our communities without access to skilled professionals and worsens workforce shortages in social work and behavioral health at a time when demand has never been higher.

The Empire State Licensing Act (S.1086-B / A.675-B) addresses this through three key reforms:

• Removing immigration status as a barrier to licensure: Amends New York's Civil Rights Law to prohibit the denial of any professional license, permit, certificate, or registration on the basis of an applicant's citizenship or immigration status.
• Expanding access to the application process: Allows applicants to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in place of a Social Security number, removing a bureaucratic obstacle that has blocked otherwise qualified applicants.
• Protecting applicants' sensitive information: Prohibits the solicitation or disclosure of immigration-related documents and information during the licensing process.