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Lawmakers to Address Exclusionary Background Check Practices for Educational Opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


February 26th, 2026

MEDIA CONTACTS: 


Lawmakers to Address Exclusionary Background Check Practices for Educational Opportunities

Denver, CO — Colorado lawmakers, advocates and impacted individuals announce HB26-1143, “Safety, Not Status” bill, before its hearing in the House State, Civic, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday. The bill will address exclusionary background check practices for educational opportunities, which prevent immigrants without a Social Security number (SSN) from completing educational programs. 


Ending a Structural Barrier in the Workforce Pipeline

Under current practice, many entities default to SSN-only background checks for students and volunteers—even though requiring an SSN for non-employment screenings is not federally mandated. As a result, qualified students who meet every educational and safety requirement are blocked from completing clinical practice hours, internships, and pre-apprenticeships solely because they cannot provide a 9-digit Social Security number.

Advocates argue that tying access to education and volunteerism to an SSN is not only unnecessary, but downright discriminatory.


“The bill will remove this unnecessary barrier while ensuring Colorado's background check system remains strong and safety-focused,” said Representative Naquetta Ricks. “As an immigrant who was educated in Colorado, ensuring immigrants get the same educational opportunities as other Coloradans is incredibly important to me, and this bill expands those opportunities for everyone.”


Strengthening Colorado’s Healthcare Workforce


The impact is especially urgent in healthcare and mental health.


“In a time when our healthcare system is drastically in need of trained professionals, it is important to not further the gap,” shared an advocate who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns around their immigration status. “Colorado needs nurses. Our healthcare system is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Preventing qualified students from completing clinical education does not protect patients; it weakens our workforce and limits access to culturally competent care.”


HB26-1143 ensures that safety remains the priority while expanding the pipeline of qualified professionals into high-need industries like nursing, mental health, and skilled trades.


A Matter of Equity, Dignity, and Public Safety


“Public safety is not strengthened by exclusion,” shared campaign leader Karina Hernandez. “It is strengthened when people are visible, stable, and engaged in their communities.”

For students directly impacted, the consequences are deeply personal.

“That moment crushed me… because I realized how powerless I was in a system that wasn’t made for me. That didn’t just limit me. It made me feel invisible. Like no matter how qualified I was, I would never be enough in the eyes of the system,” shared one aspiring healthcare professional who had encountered barriers when required to provide an SSN for a background check. 


Choosing Courage


“There comes a moment when a state must decide whether it will govern from fear or from courage. Our Safety Not Status bill is Colorado choosing courage,” said Luis Antezana, Founder & CEO of Juntos Community. “By removing unnecessary background check barriers for undocumented Coloradans, we are saying clearly that hard work, integrity, and contribution matter.”


The bill is being sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks & Junie Joseph, and Senator Mike Weissman. A full list of organizations supporting the effort can be found here. For more information about HB26-1143 or to get involved, visit www.juntoscommunity.org/safety-not-status



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