Extending Access to Professional Licenses in Maryland: Issue Brief
Maryland does not currently have a state policy that allows individuals with no lawful immigration status to apply for occupational and professional licenses. There are currently 237,845 undocumented individuals living in Maryland, including 9,730 undocumented students enrolled in higher education. Many of these students are pursuing careers in the healthcare field, early childhood education, and other professions that require professional licensure. In order to be able to practice in the healthcare and other fields in Maryland, they must obtain a license from state agencies.
Two bills aim to expand access to occupational licenses in Maryland. House Bill (H.B.) 136, introduced on January 13, 2023, would expand access to professional licenses for undocumented individuals by allowing them to provide either a social security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in their applications. In addition, Senate Bill (S.B.) 523, introduced on January 28, 2022, would allow individuals to present an ITIN number to apply for health occupational licenses in Maryland. The Judiciary Committee in the Maryland state House held a hearing on January 26, 2023 to consider H.B. 136. The Presidents’ Alliance provided oral testimony on the bill.
This resource includes information and data related to the benefits of implementing an accessible in-state tuition policy. The resource covers the following topics and arguments:
- Expanding Access to Professional Licenses
- Economic Benefits
- Ensuring Licensing Equity Across Maryland
- Additional Information: In-State Tuition & State Financial Aid, Driver Licenses & Identification
