Agencies Turn to Immigrants to Fill Ranks
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It’s a growing trend: Law enforcement agencies from Honolulu to Chicago are turning to immigrants to fill the gap.
According to an in-depth report in USA Today, whether it’s because of a lack of applicants or a desire to connect with people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, agencies are allowing green card holders and legal immigrants with work permits to join their ranks. Most agencies in the country require officers or deputies to be U.S. citizens, but some are allowing immigrants who are legally in the country to wear the badge.
At a time when 25,000 non-U.S. citizens are serving in the U.S. military, some feel it’s time for more police and sheriff departments to do the same. That’s why the Nashville Police Department is joining other departments to push the state legislature to change a law that bars non-citizens from becoming law enforcement officers.
Nashville PD spokesman Don Aaron said they want immigrants who have been honorably discharged from the military to be eligible for service.
“Persons who have given of themselves in the service to this country potentially have much to offer Tennesseans,” he said. “We feel that … would benefit both the country and this city.”
Some, like the Chicago and Hawaii police departments, allow any immigrant with a work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to become an officer. That means people in the country on temporary visas or are applying for green cards can join, but rules differ around the country.
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