Gov. Tony Evers took action on Assembly Bill 759, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 240, on Thursday, signing it into law.
The bipartisan bill removes unnecessary barriers to employment for “Dreamers,” recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, who are already living and working in Wisconsin.
Act 240 allows “Dreamers” to obtain credentials for certain occupations if they satisfy all credentialing requirements.
The move aims to bolster the state’s workforce, specifically nurses, dentists, teachers, emergency medical technicians, trade workers and more.
“Immigrants play a critical role in our economy and our communities in every corner of our state — and they have for generations,” Evers said in a statement. “In Wisconsin, we’ve always believed that if you work hard, obey the law, pay taxes and play by the rules just like everyone else, you should have a fair shot at pursuing the American Dream, including having the opportunity to join our professional workforce.”
In response to Evers’ signing of Act 240, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon said it can only help the state’s workforce.
“Reducing barriers to employment is a meaningful action to the more than 5,000 DACA recipients that call Wisconsin home, as well as our collective efforts to attract, develop and ultimately retain talent,” Brandon said in a statement.
“This bipartisan legislation will help address Greater Madison’s workforce shortage, grow our state’s economy and support the academic and career aspirations of thousands of individuals here in Wisconsin.”
