Educators and nurses face barriers to work

LACKING A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER | Licensed educators have no opportunity to work in Colorado. (Photo/EFE)

MIGRANTS STRUGGLE TO PRACTICE PROFESSIONS IN COLORADO

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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In Colorado, many immigrants have a vocation that drives them to serve their community, but they must overcome obstacles that prevent them from practicing their professions. Laura and Chela are two women with dreams shaped by study and service, trapped in a legal limbo that challenges both their enthusiasm and their need to apply what they’ve learned. Their stories, intertwined with the work of Juntos Community, highlight the urgency of breaking down these barriers.

Laura, now a young educator from Chihuahua, Mexico, arrived in the U.S. more than two decades ago. She dedicated four years to her Early Childhood Education studies, finishing in December 2024. She has always had a clear dream: to be a preschool and elementary school teacher. However, when she tried to obtain her license, she hit a wall. “I thought it was easy. Just go to the Department of Education’s website and apply for my teaching license,” Laura recalls.

Licensed teacher, but without a job

She couldn’t create an account to apply for her teaching license without a Social Security number. This obstacle persisted despite Colorado laws SB21-199 and SB21-77, approved in 2021, which eliminated the requirement of having a Social Security number to process professional licenses. Laura sought support from Juntos Community. “They created a support group to contact the State Department of Education and other agencies,” she said.

Laura finally obtained her teaching license in July 2025 after an “alternative process” was created to review her background through fingerprinting. But her battle continues. “I have my license, but I don’t have an employer,” she confesses. School districts in Colorado only hire individuals with a Social Security number, leaving Laura unable to practice her profession. “To anyone who can help, I say I am very eager to teach,” she insists.

A caregiver determined to keep her promise

Chela’s frustration, originally from Mexico City, is similar. All her life she has wanted to care for people, a desire that grew after the death of her brother, who always encouraged her. Chela enrolled in a program to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), motivated by the possibility of using her ITIN to obtain a license. However, when she tried to begin her clinical training, she encountered the same barrier as Laura.

Hospitals, and by extension schools, require background checks for anyone seeking to volunteer, intern, or work. “My background check doesn’t go through because I don’t have a Social Security number,” explains Chela. Despite this setback, she did not give up. With the support of Juntos Community and guidance from Dr. Tobías Wilson, she found a school that allowed her to complete her training.

Chela finished the program and is in the process of obtaining her CNA license by doing her clinical training in a private institution. Beyond that, she found a path to practice her calling. “It is possible,” she affirms with conviction, explaining that she will work as an independent contractor. “I keep in mind that I promised my brother I would try. Don’t set your dream aside,” Chela advises.

Laws that promise but remain unfulfilled

Laws SB21-199 and SB21-77, approved in 2021, eliminated the Social Security number requirement for professional licenses in Colorado. However, Joshua Stalling, Advocacy Program Manager at Juntos Community, explains that implementation has been complicated. The lack of action from state agencies has prevented professionals like Laura and Chela from accessing the opportunities these laws promised.

Stalling points out that Laura is the first to obtain a teaching license under these circumstances, underscoring the need for stronger implementation. Background checks based on Social Security numbers remain the biggest barrier, even though neither the FBI nor the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) require an SSN to review criminal records or sex offender lists.

Educadores y enfermeros enfrentan barreras para trabajar

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE | Joshua Stalling of Juntos Community. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

A proposal to remove invisible barriers

The problem lies with private background check companies that require a Social Security number. This requirement blocks access to nursing, teaching, and counseling programs for many people. Private companies demanding an SSN also prevent many from working as independent contractors or even volunteering at their children’s schools.

“We are working with legislators to introduce a bill in 2026 that will prohibit requiring Social Security numbers for background checks that are not for employment,” Josh explains. This measure would open opportunities, allowing more undocumented people to access educational programs, work as contractors, and fully integrate into the economy, helping to meet the shortage of bilingual professionals.

The origin of the fight

JUNTOS COMMUNITY | Luis Antezana Alba. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

Behind Juntos Community’s work is the story of its founder, Luis Antezana Alba. Born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Luis arrived in Los Angeles at age seven and discovered his undocumented status in his senior year of high school. Despite the obstacles, he earned a university scholarship and, with the arrival of DACA, was able to complete his Political Science degree with a concentration in law. He later became a teacher.

That path brought him to Colorado, where he taught for six years. It was during this time that Luis realized that despite his efforts, many undocumented students and families faced insurmountable barriers to building a future. This realization drove him to found Juntos Community. “Our mission is to help undocumented families access upward economic mobility and build generational wealth,” Luis explains.

A DACA with purpose

His vision is that “with jobs and income, families can acquire financial education and eventually homeownership, the fastest path to generational wealth.” Luis is proud of a very personal achievement. “I am an immigrant creating jobs here for citizens, for residents, and for our undocumented community.” His experience of overcoming his own challenges and creating opportunities is the driving force behind Juntos Community.

“Traveler, when someone tells you not to do it, that’s the moment you must know you are doing something right. And follow your dreams that way.” The story of Luis, Laura, and Chela is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. Through advocacy and direct support, Juntos Community not only seeks to change laws but also to empower individuals so that, like Laura and Chela, they can overcome barriers.