Addressing Misconceptions About H.3211
As South Carolina considers House Bill 3211 (H.3211), it’s important to separate fact from fiction. This straightforward policy is designed to strengthen our workforce, support economic growth, and ensure that legally authorized workers can contribute to critical industries. Here’s a closer look at the facts behind this bill and how it can benefit South Carolina.
MYTH: H.3211 gives undocumented immigrants professional licenses.
FACT: H.3211 only applies to individuals with valid federal work authorization.
H.3211 directly addresses some of South Carolina’s most pressing workforce challenges:
This bill does not change anyone’s immigration status or provide licenses to undocumented individuals. Instead, it ensures that DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylum seekers, and others who already have legal work authorization can apply for professional licensure in South Carolina—just like anyone else who meets the requirements. These individuals are already contributing to our economy by paying taxes and holding federal work permits. H.3211 simply removes an outdated barrier that prevents them from entering licensed professions such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades.1
Myth: There aren’t enough jobs for existing South Carolina workers.
Fact: South Carolina has more job openings than available workers.
South Carolina faces one of the most severe workforce shortages in the country, with only 43 workers available for every 100 job openings2. Key industries like healthcare, construction, and education are struggling to fill critical roles. For example:
- The state is projected to need 13,570 registered nurses by 2036, one of the highest shortages in the nation.3
- Nearly all counties in South Carolina lack sufficient primary care providers.4
- Teaching vacancies reached 1,613 at the start of the 2023-24 school year—a 9% increase from the previous year.5
H.3211 helps address these shortages by allowing legally authorized individuals to enter licensed professions without taking jobs away from others.
Myth: H.3211 lowers professional licensing standards.
Fact: All applicants must meet the same requirements as anyone else.
H.3211 does not alter licensing standards or requirements in any way. Applicants must still complete all education and training, pass certification exams, and undergo background checks where applicable.6 This ensures that professional standards remain high while expanding access to qualified workers who meet these rigorous criteria.
Myth: Other states aren’t doing this.
Fact: Many states have already modernized their licensing laws.
South Carolina is not alone in considering updates to licensing policies. States like Illinois, Texas, and Nevada have expanded licensure access for legally authorized immigrants in healthcare and other critical industries. These changes have helped address workforce shortages while boosting local economies. By passing H.3211, South Carolina has an opportunity to remain competitive and retain talented professionals who might otherwise leave for states with more inclusive policies.
Myth: This bill only benefits a small group of people.
Fact: H.3211 benefits South Carolina’s entire economy.
By enabling qualified professionals to enter licensed fields, H.3211 strengthens key industries like healthcare, education, and construction while reducing labor shortages statewide. The economic benefits are significant:
- State tax revenues could increase by $1.58 million through higher income and sales taxes.7
- An estimated $67.7 million in additional economic output could be generated annually.8
These aren’t hypothetical jobs—they already exist but remain unfilled due to regulatory barriers.
Why H.3211 Matters Now
South Carolina’s economy is growing rapidly, but continued success depends on having a strong workforce to meet demand across industries. With one of the most severe worker shortages in the nation, modernizing licensing laws is a practical solution that benefits everyone—from businesses seeking skilled employees to communities relying on essential services.
- H.3211, SC General Assembly, 2025 (Source) ↩︎
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Data, August 2023. (Source) ↩︎
- Bureau for Health Workforce, Nurse Shortage Projections, 2024. (Source) ↩︎
- South Carolina Health Professions Data Book, 2021 (Source) ↩︎
- Center for Educator Recruitment Retention and Advancement, SC Teacher Shortages, 2023. (Source) ↩︎
- SC Dept of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation, 2025 (Source) ↩︎
- The Lost Economic Impact of DACA Eligible Students in South Carolina, 2024. (Source) ↩︎
- The Lost Economic Impact of DACA Eligible Students in South Carolina, 2024. (Source) ↩︎
