Updates - Communities for Our Colleges

HB 1889: Professional Licenses for All WA’s Immigrants

In 2024, the WA state legislature passed HB 1889, which clarifies the rules for professional licenses to allow all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for and receive professional licenses. Further, a state agency or authority cannot deny an application solely on the basis of a person’s immigration status if the person has met all other qualifications.

In this post, we provide basic information that address some questions including what it is, what it does, and our understanding of what it allows regarding employment. DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice. If you are someone that has a question regarding immigration status and employment, please consult with an immigration attorney.

Press Release: Gov. Inslee Signed Expanded Access to Professional Licenses for All Immigrants

Gov. Inslee signs Substitute House Bill No. 1889 – March 13, 2024. Relating to allowing persons to receive professional licenses and certifications regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Walen

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Contact: Fernando Mejia Ledesma | fernando@juststrategy.org

Communities for Our College Campaign: Gov. Inslee Signed Expanded Access to Professional Licenses for All Immigrants

Today, Governor J. Inslee signed SHB 1889 into law. This bill expands access to professional licenses to all immigrants in WA state. Students, faculty, and staff members at various community & technical colleges rallied together around this proposal.

MLK Action Day: #FreeCollegeforAll!

On MLK Day, students from across all of Washington joined together to advocate for Cost-Free College including wrap-around services and advising programs as well as professional licensure for all Washington immigrants. With over 120 attendees, students, faculty and community gathered, participated in a rally, and led the conversations with their local representatives and senators. There was a collective feeling of empowerment among participants, as they came together to advocate for Cost-Free College and professional licensure.

Press Release: Gov. Inslee Signed Expansion of Working Connections for Immigrant Families

Governor Inslee signs Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5225, May 1, 2023. Relating to increasing access to the working connections child care program. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Wilson

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Contact: Fernando Mejia Ledesma | fernando@juststrategy.org

Communities for Our College Campaign: Gov. Inslee Signed Expansion of Working Connections for Immigrant Families

Yesterday, Governor J. Inslee signed SSB 5225 into law. This legislation makes important adjustments to eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care program. While Washington State encourages its undocumented population to attend college through its student aid system, it has simultaneously discouraged this participation by denying many of them access to childcare support. SSB 5225 rectifies this inequity.

Report: Working Connections – The Need to Expand Child Care Access to Undocumented Students in Washington State

Child care is essential for student parents to succeed. Research shows that affordable, accessible child care plays an important role in helping student parents stay in school. But it’s becoming harder and harder for them to afford both child care and tuition. This report from Communities for Our Colleges documents the challenges to obtaining child care by undocumented students and key policy recommendations to overcome them.

Download the Report