Working With Us Police: Options For International Students

International students in the US have a variety of employment opportunities, including working as police officers. While requirements vary across states, non-citizens can apply for police officer roles in certain states, including California, Colorado, Maine, West Virginia, New York, Alaska, and Hawaii. International students can also attend training programs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia, on a space-available and reimbursable basis. To be eligible for off-campus employment, international students with F-1 status must receive approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses.

Non-US citizens can apply to be police officers in certain states

While most US states require police officers to be American citizens, naturalized, or in the process of applying for citizenship, there are some exceptions. Certain states allow non-citizen applicants to apply to be police officers, including Colorado, Maine, West Virginia, California, New York, Alaska, and Hawaii.

For example, in Colorado, a work permit and alien resident card are sufficient to apply to the police force. California also accepts permanent residents (green card holders) who have already filed for citizenship. Illinois has recently changed its law to allow non-US citizens to become police officers, but this is restricted to a certain class of non-citizens due to federal immigration and firearm laws. For instance, federal law prevents anyone who is in the US on a temporary visa from becoming a police officer.

Some states, therefore, have specific requirements for non-citizen applicants, and it is worth checking the individual state's requirements. It is also worth noting that, while non-citizens can apply in some states, becoming a US citizen is often a requirement for continuing as a police officer.

Applicants must have a work permit and alien resident card

International students who are interested in working with the police in the US should be aware that requirements vary across states. For instance, certain states such as Colorado, Maine, West Virginia, California, New York, Alaska, and Hawaii accept non-citizen applications. In Colorado, for instance, applicants are required to have a work permit and an alien resident card.

A work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allows non-immigrants to work in the US temporarily. Non-immigrant visa holders are typically required to have a work permit before they can be hired to work in the US. In most cases, obtaining a work permit will allow you to work for any employer and in any trade or profession. However, it is important to note that there are different types of visas with varying eligibility criteria for obtaining a work permit. For instance, some visas require a prospective employer to file a petition on your behalf, while others allow you to self-petition.

To obtain a work permit, you may need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is important to note that the conditions you must meet and how long you can work in the US depend on the type of immigration status granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Failure to comply with these conditions may result in removal from or denial of re-entry into the US.

In addition to a work permit, applicants may also need an alien resident card, also known as a Green Card. An individual is considered a resident alien for a calendar year if they meet the Green Card test or the substantial presence test for that year. To meet the Green Card test, an individual must be a lawful permanent resident of the US according to immigration laws, and this status must not have been revoked or abandoned. To satisfy the substantial presence test, an individual must have been physically present in the US for at least 183 days over a three-year period, including the current year and the two preceding years. However, even if you meet the substantial presence test, you may still be considered a non-resident alien if you have a closer connection to a foreign country, as indicated by maintaining a tax home there and timely filing a Form 8840.

Applicants must be permanent residents and have filed for citizenship

International students seeking to work with the police in the US must be permanent residents and have filed for citizenship. This means that applicants must have a green card and have already initiated the process of becoming citizens.

In the US, there are varying requirements for becoming a police officer depending on the state. Some states, such as Colorado, only require a work permit and an alien resident card, while others mandate US citizenship. For example, in California, a permanent resident with a green card can apply for a police role if they have filed for citizenship. Similarly, Illinois has recently changed its legislation to permit non-US citizens to become police officers within the state. However, this change in law is restricted to a certain class of non-citizens due to its interaction with federal immigration and firearm laws.

It is important to note that the requirements for becoming a police officer in the US can be complex and are subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the specific requirements of the state in which one wishes to apply.

While some states may allow non-citizens to apply for police roles, it is worth noting that there may be additional requirements or restrictions. For instance, certain states may require applicants to have already spent a significant amount of their life in the US, indicating a long-term commitment to the country. Additionally, federal law may prevent non-citizens from obtaining the necessary authorization to carry firearms, which is a crucial component of police work.

Overall, while it may be possible for international students to pursue careers in law enforcement in the US, it is essential to carefully navigate the specific requirements and restrictions of each state and federal law.

DACA recipients can become police officers in Illinois

International students face several obstacles when seeking to work with the police in the US. Most places require applicants to be born in America or naturalised citizens. However, certain states, including Colorado, Maine, West Virginia, California, New York, Alaska, and Hawaii, accept non-citizen applications. For instance, in Colorado, a work visa or a green card is sufficient.

In Illinois, DACA recipients can become police officers. In late July 2023, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill allowing non-US citizens to apply for jobs with police departments. The bill, HB 3751, states that "individuals who are not citizens, but are legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law" can apply for police jobs from January 1, 2024. This change in legislation is significant as it removes barriers for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, who were previously barred from holding law enforcement jobs.

The Illinois bill was sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, who aimed to help DACA recipients become police officers and provide law enforcement agencies with additional recruitment options. The legislation passed with a unanimous 101-0 vote in the Illinois House and has already gained support from police departments in the state. The Blue Island Police Department, for instance, has begun the process of hiring DACA recipients, also known as "Dreamers."

The DACA program, established during the Obama administration, provides temporary work permits and deportation protection for eligible individuals brought to the US without authorization as children. There are approximately 30,000 DACA recipients in Illinois, and the new legislation offers them a pathway to pursue careers in law enforcement.

While the Illinois bill allows DACA recipients to join the police force, there are still restrictions on their ability to carry firearms. Federal law generally prohibits non-citizens from carrying guns unless it is for "official use." This means that police officers who are not US citizens may only carry weapons while on duty.

Off-campus employment for international students is restricted

To answer the question 'Can an international student work with the police in the US?', it is important to understand the visa requirements and restrictions for international students in the US.

For international students in the US, off-campus employment is restricted. F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year and must show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions: they must have experienced a severe economic hardship or special student relief, and the work must be related to their area of study. This off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. The student must also have their off-campus employment authorized by the Designated School Official and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In terms of on-campus employment, F-1 students may accept employment during their first academic year, as long as it is physically located on the school's campus or off-campus at an educationally affiliated organization. The work must be for the school or a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school at school facilities but not at any off-campus locations.

While it is possible for foreigners to become police officers in certain states, such as Colorado, Maine, West Virginia, California, New York, Alaska, and Hawaii, citizenship or permanent residency requirements often apply. Therefore, while international students in the US may face restrictions on off-campus employment, they can explore on-campus employment opportunities within the given guidelines.

Frequently asked questions