Two bills that could bring greater ease to the lives of some undocumented immigrant youth could soon become law in Arkansas. House Bill 1684, which would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who call the state home access to in-state tuition rates, passed the state Senate on Wednesday. House Bill 1552, which would allow DACA recipients to apply for nursing licenses, passed a Senate committee that same day and will now head to the floor.
Advocates expect Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson to sign both bills should they reach his desk—and they are overjoyed. "Like my parents say, 'If there's a will, there's a way. Nothing's impossible,'" said Karla Palma, a DACA recipient and nursing student. "This is where my family and my friends are. I want to give back to the community and the place that has given me so much."
The progress of both bills in an overwhelmingly Republican state legislature speaks to the widespread support behind protecting undocumented youth, but it also speaks to the vital roles immigrants play in communities all across the country, from teachers to first responders to health professionals—or at least could play, if they’re just given the chance. "I have worked very hard to get to where I am so I can help others," said another nursing student, Rosa Ruvalcaba Serna. "I'm not willing to give up on myself."
"Our state is really desperate for nurses," said Democratic state Rep. Megan Godfrey, adding that “the very minimal pushback about the bill has come from those worried that it seems like an immigration issue that should be handled at the federal level. However, this isn't an immigration bill. This is a professional licensure and workforce bill." Likewise, the in-state tuition bill would benefit both prospective students and colleges. "We do know a lot of kids don’t go to college because of the cost," said activist Rosa Velázquez. "This would work as an incentive for them to go to the university, so the fiscal impact would be good."