Residents in Southern Illinois have expressed mixed reactions to a recent law passed in Illinois, which enables non-U.S. citizens to join the police force. While some locals strongly disagree with this decision, claiming that law enforcement roles should be exclusively reserved for citizens, others are more open to the idea. Those in opposition voice concerns about the ability of non-citizens to effectively police their communities and emphasize the necessity for thorough background checks. However, those in favor argue that as long as non-citizen applicants possess legal work authorization and pass the required background checks, this change could be a plausible solution to address officer shortages in certain areas. Although federal law currently prohibits non-citizens from serving as police officers or deputies, the new law passed in Illinois allows individuals with legal work authorization, including DACA recipients, to apply for police officer positions. The ongoing debate revolves around issues of citizenship, qualifications, and public safety, reflecting the contrasting views of the residents.