A Step Forward for Opportunity, A Step Back for Safety & Dignity

by Kids Forward | March 17, 2026

Home 9 Press Releases 9 A Step Forward for Opportunity, A Step Back for Safety & Dignity

Wisconsin expands opportunity for DACA recipients with AB 759, while AB 24 threatens to undermine safety, trust, and dignity for immigrant families.

For Release: March 17, 2026
Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863

The WI State Senate passed Assembly Bill 759, a major step forward that allows DACA recipients to obtain professional licenses, opening the door for careers in teaching, nursing, skilled trades, and more. Nearly 6,000 DACA recipients call Wisconsin home. They’ve grown up here, invested in their futures, and contributed to our communities. 

“This victory belongs to the immigrant advocates, organizers, and DACA recipients who refused to accept these barriers. It challenges a system that has limited opportunity for immigrant young adults for far too long,” said Amanda Martinez, Senior Policy Analyst at Kids Forward.

This bill, already passed in the Assembly, will go to the Governor’s desk for signature, which he is expected to sign.

Unfortunately, some legislators in Wisconsin are making life harder for immigrant families in our communities. Fueled by anti-immigrant hate, these decision makers uphold damaging and false narratives. 

Assembly Bill 24, which also passed in the Senate today, would turn local law enforcement into tools of mass deportation, requiring county sheriffs to check the immigration status of people held in county jails and force them to cooperate with ICE’s oppressive immigration enforcement tactics. This harmful bill creates fear, increases the risk of family separation, and damages trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. 

We’re urging the Governor to veto this harmful, racist bill and stand with immigrant families across Wisconsin. 

Contact the Governor and let him know that immigrant families deserve safety and dignity.

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