States Continue to Expand Driver’s License Eligibility to Undocumented Immigrants
It was not that long ago that almost all of the states denied driver’s license eligibility to undocumented immigrants. Things are changing.
Immigration Impact reports that currently, ten states (including ) and the District of Columbia offer driver’s licenses to undocumented residents of their states who can meet certain requirements. The ten states are
1. California
2. Colorado
3. Connecticut
4. Illinois
5. Maryland
6. New Mexico
7. Nevada
8. Utah
9. Vermont
10. Washington
Two additional states, Hawaii and Delaware, passed similar laws this year, with others also beginning their pursuit of this practical public safety and economic policy. For example, a bill was introduced in the Wisconsin state assembly this year that would allow the over 85,000 undocumented immigrants currently residing in Wisconsin to apply for licenses. This legislation, and others like it, increase state revenue and expand the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants already living and working in these communities.
Pew Charitable Trusts has released a report on driver’s license eligibility for undocumented immigrants.
Map courtesy of Pew Charitable Trusts
KJ