Nebraska lawmakers voted 31-13 to override Governor Pete Ricketts' veto of a bill to allow DREAMers to obtain professional licenses.
The bill applies to certain immigrants who were children brought to the U.S. Illegally by their parents who were granted temporary legal status and the right to work under a 2012 Obama administration policy. It lets them qualify for at least 170 different professional and commercial licenses.
Supporters say the plan will fill jobs in a state with one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates where companies are struggling to find qualified workers. Ricketts says the change is unfair to legal immigrants who follow the citizenship process.
Following the vote, Nebraska Appleseed released a statement applauding the vote saying "State Senators made a wise choice for Nebraska today, voting in support of hard-working young Nebraskans who now will be able to contribute more fully to their home communities and our state," said Executive Director Rebecca Gould. "From the beginning, this bill has been about opening the door of opportunity to our next generation of community and business leaders, which is why LB 947 had such strong, statewide community support."Passing LB 947 will allow Nebraska to gain so much from the future teachers, health care providers, accountants, and many other professions that are essential in every community. Our local economies will be stronger and our state's future is brighter today because so many senators recognize the great value of these young people."
