California Senate approves bill allowing illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.
On Thursday, the California Senate passed a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The bill, known as AB 60, was approved by a vote of 26-11 in the Senate, and will now go to the Assembly for a final vote before being sent to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.
“If signed into law, AB 60 would make California the first state in the nation to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses,” said Senator Ricardo Lara, who sponsored the bill. “This is an important step towards ensuring that all Californians can contribute to our economy and our communities.”
Under the bill, undocumented immigrants would be able to apply for a driver’s license if they can prove their identity and residence in California. They would also have to pass a written test on the rules of the road, and a driving test to demonstrate their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Supporters of the bill argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses would improve public safety by ensuring that all drivers on the road are properly licensed and insured. They also say that it would make it easier for undocumented immigrants to get to work, take their children to school, and participate in other activities that require driving.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it would reward illegal behavior and encourage more undocumented immigrants to come to California. They also say that it would make it easier for undocumented immigrants to evade deportation by giving them a form of government-issued identification.
“Illegal immigrants should not be rewarded with the privilege of a driver’s license,” said Senator Joel Anderson, a Republican who voted against the bill. “We need to enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders, not provide incentives for people to come here illegally.”
If AB 60 is signed into law, California would join a growing number of states that have passed similar measures in recent years. In 2013, Oregon and Colorado both passed laws allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, and Illinois passed a similar law in 2015.
Governor Brown has not indicated whether he will sign the bill, but he has previously expressed support for allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. If signed into law, AB 60 would take effect on January 1, 2022.
In the meantime, undocumented immigrants in California who are caught driving without a license face fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible arrest and deportation. Advocates say that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses would help to prevent these negative consequences and make the roads safer for everyone.
