In a move that has been hailed as a victory for immigrants and their advocates, many states across the country are now allowing individuals with an adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license. This development comes as a relief for thousands of immigrants who are in the process of adjusting their legal status in the United States.
For years, immigrants with pending adjustment of status applications have faced numerous obstacles when it comes to obtaining a driver’s license. Many states had strict requirements that prohibited individuals without a Social Security number or proof of legal residency from obtaining a license. This created a significant barrier for immigrants who needed a license to drive to work, school, or other essential activities.
However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in state policies regarding driver’s licenses for immigrants with pending adjustment of status applications. Several states, including California, New York, and Illinois, have passed laws that allow individuals with an adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license. This change has been widely praised by advocates for immigrants’ rights, who argue that access to a driver’s license is essential for immigrants to fully participate in their communities.
One of the key arguments in favor of allowing individuals with an adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license is the importance of road safety. Advocates argue that by requiring immigrants to pass a driving test and obtain insurance, allowing them to obtain a driver’s license can actually improve road safety for everyone. Additionally, having a driver’s license can make it easier for immigrants to access employment opportunities and contribute to the economy.
In California, the passage of Assembly Bill 60 in 2015 allowed individuals with a pending adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license. The legislation was seen as a major victory for immigrant rights advocates, who had long been pushing for a change in the state’s policy regarding driver’s licenses for immigrants. Since the passage of AB 60, thousands of immigrants in California have been able to obtain a driver’s license, allowing them to drive legally and safely in the state.
In New York, the Green Light Law, passed in 2019, allows individuals with a pending adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license. The law was hailed as a major victory for immigrant rights advocates in the state, who had been pushing for such legislation for years. With the passage of the Green Light Law, immigrants in New York can now obtain a driver’s license regardless of their legal status, making it easier for them to participate fully in their communities.
In Illinois, Senate Bill 957, passed in 2019, allows individuals with a pending adjustment of status to obtain a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License. The legislation was seen as a major step forward for immigrant rights in the state, as it allows immigrants to obtain a driver’s license even if they do not have a Social Security number. This change has been applauded by advocates for immigrants’ rights, who argue that access to a driver’s license is essential for immigrants to fully participate in their communities.
Overall, the trend towards allowing individuals with an adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license is seen as a positive development for immigrant rights in the United States. By removing barriers to obtaining a driver’s license, states are making it easier for immigrants to fully integrate into their communities and contribute to the economy. Advocates hope that more states will follow suit and pass legislation that allows individuals with a pending adjustment of status to obtain a driver’s license, ensuring that all residents have the ability to drive legally and safely in their communities.
