D.C. Follows 11 Other States Allowing Undocumented Immigrants to Drive Legally
Immigration Impact reports that the D.C. Council passed a bill that allows undocumented residents to apply for driver’s licenses and that the D.C. Mayor signed the bill yesterday. The new policy, which goes into effect May 1, sets up a system where undocumented immigrants will receive licenses that are the same but for their being marked “not valid for official federal purposes.”
Outside of D.C., 11 states and Puerto Rico allow people to apply for driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. Last week, Illinois began implementing its law to issue licenses to undocumented immigrants living in the state if they meet conditions like purchasing insurance. State officials expect up to half a million people to eventually apply for the ability to drive legally in Illinois.
Not that long ago, only two states (New Mexico and Washington) allowed undocumented immigrants to be eligible for driver’s licenses. The tode unquestionably has turned.
KJ