California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses in the state. The bill, also known as AB 60, has been met with both praise and criticism from various groups.
The new law will make California the 13th state in the U.S. to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Advocates of the bill argue that it will make the roads safer by ensuring that all drivers on the road are properly trained and tested. They also believe that it will help undocumented immigrants assimilate into society and contribute to the economy.
Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it rewards illegal behavior and encourages more people to enter the country illegally. They also express concerns about national security, citing the potential for undocumented immigrants to use their driver’s licenses to board planes or enter government buildings.
Governor Newsom defended the bill, stating that it is a necessary step to protect the safety of all Californians. He emphasized that the bill includes measures to prevent fraud, such as requiring applicants to prove their identity and residency in the state.
Under the new law, undocumented immigrants will be able to apply for a driver’s license by providing proof of identity, such as a foreign passport or consular card, and proof of residency in California. They will also be required to pass a written and driving test, just like any other driver.
The bill has received support from a wide range of groups, including immigrant rights organizations, labor unions, and law enforcement agencies. These groups argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses will make the roads safer and help integrate undocumented immigrants into society.
“Allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses is a common-sense policy that will benefit all Californians,” said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the California Immigrant Rights Coalition. “It will ensure that all drivers on the road are properly trained and tested, reducing the number of accidents and making our roads safer for everyone.”
However, not everyone is on board with the new law. Some conservative groups and lawmakers have criticized the bill, arguing that it sends the wrong message to undocumented immigrants and undermines the rule of law.
“This bill will only encourage more people to come to our country illegally,” said state Senator John Smith. “We should be focusing on enforcing our immigration laws, not rewarding those who break them.”
Despite the criticism, the new law is set to go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Undocumented immigrants can begin applying for driver’s licenses as soon as the law goes into effect, and the DMV is already preparing for an influx of new applicants.
“We are committed to implementing this new law in a fair and efficient manner,” said DMV director Jane Doe. “We will be providing additional training to our staff to ensure that all applicants are processed accurately and in a timely manner.”
Overall, the passage of AB 60 represents a significant victory for advocates of immigrant rights in California. It marks a major step forward in providing undocumented immigrants with the tools they need to integrate into society and contribute to the economy.
“As a state, we have a moral obligation to ensure that all residents have access to the basic necessities of life, including the ability to drive to work, school, and the grocery store,” said Governor Newsom. “This bill is a step in the right direction towards achieving that goal.”
