Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law on Friday, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses in the state. The move has been lauded by immigrant rights advocates and is seen as a significant step towards making roads safer for everyone in the state.
The new law, known as the Driver’s License for Immigrants Act, will grant temporary driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who have been living in Illinois for at least one year. The licenses will not be valid for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering federal buildings, but will allow immigrants to drive legally in the state.
Advocates for the law argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses will make roads safer for everyone. Currently, many undocumented immigrants in Illinois drive without a license, leading to an increased risk of accidents and hit-and-runs. By requiring undocumented immigrants to pass a driving test and obtain insurance in order to obtain a license, the new law aims to improve road safety for all residents of the state.
In addition to safety concerns, supporters of the law argue that it will also benefit the economy of Illinois. By allowing undocumented immigrants to drive legally, the law will enable them to commute to work, access job opportunities, and contribute to the state’s economy. Studies have shown that states with similar laws have seen an increase in car insurance sales and a decrease in hit-and-run accidents, leading to overall economic benefits.
Opponents of the law, however, argue that it rewards illegal immigration and may encourage more undocumented immigrants to come to Illinois. They also raise concerns about potential identity theft and fraud, as undocumented immigrants will not have to provide a Social Security number to obtain a driver’s license.
Despite these concerns, Governor Pritzker and other supporters of the law argue that it is a necessary step towards improving road safety and supporting the state’s immigrant population. With the new law in place, Illinois joins a handful of other states, including California, New York, and Washington, in allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
Immigrant rights advocates in Illinois have praised the new law as a significant victory for undocumented immigrants in the state. They argue that it will provide a sense of security and stability for immigrant communities, who often live in fear of being stopped by law enforcement while driving without a license.
The Driver’s License for Immigrants Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2022. In the meantime, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will begin working on the implementation of the new law, including creating a process for undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses.
Overall, the new law represents a major win for immigrant rights advocates in Illinois and a significant step towards improving road safety and supporting the state’s immigrant population. As the law goes into effect next year, undocumented immigrants in Illinois will have the opportunity to drive legally, access job opportunities, and contribute to the state’s economy.
