Federal law prohibits non-U.S. citizens from serving as police officers and deputies.
But on July 28, 2023, Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker (D) signed into law House Bill 3751 that allows illegal immigrants, i.e., non-citizens, to apply to be a police officer. U.S. citizenship will no longer be a requirement to serve as a police officer in the state of Illinois starting January 1, 2024.
HB 3751 states, “An individual who is not a citizen but is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law is authorized to apply for the position of police officer, subject to all requirements and limitations, other than citizenship, to which other applicants are subject.” The law also states that non-U.S. citizens can purchase, carry, and possess a firearm legally in order to apply to be a police officer.
The Fraternal Order of Police had spoken out against HB 3751 after Democrats passed it in the Illinois state House: “What message does this legislation send when it allows people who do not have legal status to become the enforcers of our laws? This is a potential crisis of confidence in law enforcement at a time when our officers need all the public confidence they can get.” (Source: Newsbreak)
Illinois is a one-party state:
- Governor J.B. Pritzger (D)
- Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D)
- State Senate: 40D, 19R
- House of Representatives: 77D, 40R
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