This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

California Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing Driver's Licenses for Immigrants Living Here Illegally

The measure is expected to be signed by California Governor Jerry Brown.

By City News Service

Southland activists and lawmakers today hailed the passage of a bill that will provide California driver's licenses to immigrants who are living in the country illegally.

"Today marks an important day in history, and ends a long chapter of fighting for the public safety of all drivers on our roads,'' Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillo said. "I applaud our state legislators for doing the right thing in understanding the significance and impact this bill will have on the millions of undocumented workers, and look forward to Gov. (Jerry) Brown's signature.''

Brown indicated he will sign legislation, which was approved Thursday night despite being withdrawn earlier in the day, but later revived.

"This bill will enable millions of people to get to work safely and legally,'' Brown said. "Hopefully it will send a message to Washington that immigration reform is long past due.''

Supporters said the measure will ensure that all drivers on the roads are educated and insured, but critics contended there was no guarantee that immigrants who obtain the licenses will be properly trained and would purchase insurance. Some critics also argued that the bill goes to far with its language prohibiting housing and job discrimination, saying it will lead to confusion among employers who are shown one of the specially designated licenses by a potential employee.

Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, conceded that the bill is not perfect, but it's a "step in the right direction.''

"This bill responds to an urgent need by more than a million working men and women in California who want to be properly trained, drive without fear and contribute their hard earned dollars to our state's economic growth,'' Salas said. "... CHIRLA has been fighting to obtain a driver's license for qualified drivers in California since 1993. We will continue to work with the legislature, DMV, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure all qualified motorists in California, regardless of immigration status, get an opportunity and the privilege to drive without fear of persecution, bias, or racial profiling."

Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, said all California residents could see benefits of the legislation, saying, "Studies have shown that insurance premiums would go down as a result of having fewer uninsured drivers on the road.''

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Sierra Madre