Colorado Governor Signs Legislation Allowing Immigrant Driver’s Licenses
In a groundbreaking move, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation on Monday allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses in the state. The bill, known as the Colorado Immigrant Driver’s License Act, paves the way for thousands of immigrants to legally drive in Colorado, improving public safety and boosting the state’s economy.
The signing of the bill comes after years of advocacy and lobbying by immigrant rights groups, who have long argued that granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants would benefit the state as a whole. Proponents of the bill say that allowing immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses will make Colorado roads safer by ensuring that all drivers are trained, tested, and insured.
“We are thrilled that Governor Polis has signed this bill into law,” said Maria Hernandez, a spokesperson for Colorado Unidos, a local immigrant advocacy group. “This is a victory for all Coloradans, as it will make our roads safer and allow immigrant families to participate more fully in our state’s economy.”
Under the new law, undocumented immigrants will be able to obtain a driver’s license by presenting a valid proof of identification, such as a foreign passport or consular ID, and proof of residency in Colorado. The licenses will be marked with a distinguishable symbol to indicate that the holder is not a U.S. citizen, but will otherwise function the same as a regular driver’s license.
Critics of the bill argue that granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants rewards illegal behavior and could lead to identity fraud. However, supporters of the bill point out that undocumented immigrants are already driving on Colorado roads without licenses, and that allowing them to obtain licenses will actually help law enforcement by ensuring that all drivers are properly trained and insured.
“We believe that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses is a commonsense policy that will benefit all Coloradans,” said Samantha Martinez, a spokesperson for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. “It will make our roads safer, boost our state’s economy, and help integrate immigrant families into our communities.”
The Colorado Immigrant Driver’s License Act is part of a broader trend at the state level to improve driver’s license access for undocumented immigrants. Currently, twelve states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, with more states considering similar legislation.
In addition to allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, the new law also establishes a driver’s license reinstatement program for individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. This program will help ensure that all drivers on Colorado roads are properly licensed and insured, further enhancing public safety.
Governor Polis hailed the signing of the bill as a win for all Coloradans. “By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, we are making our roads safer and promoting economic opportunity for all residents of our state,” Polis said in a statement. “I am proud to sign this bill into law and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities.”
The Colorado Immigrant Driver’s License Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2022, giving undocumented immigrants in the state the opportunity to obtain driver’s licenses for the first time. Immigrant rights groups are already working to spread the word about the new law and help eligible individuals navigate the application process.
“We are excited about the opportunity that this law presents for immigrant families in Colorado,” said Hernandez. “We will be working tirelessly to ensure that all eligible individuals have the information and support they need to obtain their driver’s licenses and fully participate in our communities.”
