Illinois Law Allows Undocumented Immigrants to Get Driver's Licenses

Key Takeaways:

New Illinois law allows undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses, enhancing road safety and reducing discrimination.
Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) were limited and discriminatory, prompting the shift to standard licenses for more inclusivity.
Standard licenses prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining a REAL ID or voter registration, maintaining system integrity.

What Is the New Illinois Law for Undocumented Immigrants Applying for Driver’s Licenses?

A transformative law went into effect on Monday, enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses in Illinois. Announced by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, this legislation was passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor last year. The initiative aims to diminish discrimination against migrants and enhance road safety.

Illinois Law Allows Undocumented Immigrants to Get Driver’s Licenses — Illinois Law Allows Undocumented Immigrants to Get Driver's Licenses

How Will This Law Affect Undocumented Immigrants?

According to Alexi Giannoulias, the new law is a significant move towards lessening the stigma faced by the immigrant population in Illinois. He stated in a release:

“This is an important step forward in reducing the stigma that our immigrant population is forced to face. It will also make our roads safer by ensuring that more motorists can legally drive – having to pass written and behind-the-wheel driving tests and show proof of insurance – like all other licensed Illinois drivers.”

What Are Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs)?

Since 2013, Illinois has issued more than 300,000 Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) to undocumented immigrants. However, these licenses come with limitations. TVDLs are marked with the wording “Not Valid for Identification” and feature a purple-colored banner, which effectively signals that the holder is undocumented.

Why Shift from TVDLs to Standard Illinois Driver’s Licenses?

The limitations of TVDLs have made essential activities challenging for undocumented immigrants. Without a standard driver’s license, filling prescriptions, opening bank accounts, or applying for an apartment becomes difficult. Individuals with TVDLs often face discrimination, leading some to avoid obtaining licenses altogether and drive without insurance. The new law allows these drivers to obtain standard four-year licenses with the wording “Federal Limits Apply.”

How to Apply for A Standard Driver’s License?

Current TVDL Cardholders: Giannoulias is urging those holding TVDLs to “Be the First” to transition to a standard license. This can be done online or by visiting a DMV facility.
First-Time Applicants: For those applying for a driver’s license for the first time, a visit to a DMV facility is mandatory for presenting the required documents.

Safeguards and Limitations

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has implemented measures to ensure that undocumented immigrants cannot obtain a REAL ID or be added to voting rolls. This is crucial to maintain the integrity of state and federal identification systems while providing essential driving privileges to immigrants.

Official Resources and Additional Information

For a detailed guide on the required documents and application procedures, you can refer to the Official Illinois DMV Website. This resource offers comprehensive information on the entire application process for obtaining a standard driver’s license.

Conclusion

The passage of this new law represents a vital step towards equality and safety on Illinois roads. By allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses, the state not only works to eliminate discrimination but also ensures that more motorists are legally certified and insured.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to create inclusive policies that benefit both the immigrant community and the general public. For anyone navigating this new process, visiting the official state resources or a local DMV facility can provide the necessary guidance and support.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Undocumented Immigrants: Individuals residing in a country without official authorization or formal immigration status. In the context of Illinois, they can now apply for standard driver’s licenses.
Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL): A specialized driver’s license issued to undocumented immigrants in Illinois since 2013, marked with limitations such as “Not Valid for Identification” to indicate the holder’s undocumented status.
Standard Driver’s License: A regular driver’s license that undocumented immigrants in Illinois can now apply for, providing them with the same driving privileges as other licensed drivers, including the requirement to pass driving tests and show proof of insurance.
REAL ID: A federally recognized form of identification that requires strict documentation for issuance. The new Illinois law ensures undocumented immigrants cannot obtain a REAL ID to maintain the integrity of state and federal ID systems.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias: The current Illinois Secretary of State who announced the new law allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses, aiming to reduce discrimination and improve road safety.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Starting Monday, Illinois allows undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses, a move Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias champions to reduce discrimination and enhance road safety. Transitioning from restrictive TVDLs, this new law provides equal access to driving privileges, ensuring more insured and qualified drivers on the road.
— By VisaVerge.com

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