Individuals without a legal immigration status typically are not eligible
to get driver’s licenses under a state’s laws, which usually
serve as a person’s main form of identification. Undocumented immigrants
don’t have the foundation documents, such as a social security card,
that are necessary to legally obtain a driver’s license. However,
to date, 12 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted laws that permit
undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses in order for them
to drive legally and obtain vehicle insurance. California, for instance,
has a law that permits an immigrant, despite a lack of legal immigration
status, to obtain a driver’s license, so long as he or she can show
proof of state residency. These licenses, however, often contain a special
mark or language that prevents them from being used a form of identification.
Some city governments, such as that of San Francisco, California, have
taken steps to provide identification for immigrants without legal status
in the form of photo identification cards. Although these ID cards cannot
be used as driver’s licenses, they can serve as a source of picture
ID if needed. For example, many banks and financial institutions require
a photo ID showing residency in order to open a bank account. In the jurisdictions
that offer ID cards to residents without legal immigration status, these
residents now can protect their finances by utilizing bank accounts. While
these ID cards are certainly useful in certain situations, there are distinct
limits to their benefits. They cannot serve as work authorization for
an individual, nor can they entitle an individual to city, state, or federal
benefits. This fact often prevents these individuals from contributing
to the country’s economy through legal work, by keeping work “under
the table,” or illegal.
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
is an Oakland immigration law firm who has dedicated their practice to
protecting the interests of immigrants who are seeking to remain in the
U.S. and facing potential deportation. We are prepared to build the strongest
case possible in order to
defend you against deportation. Contact us today to set up your
legal consultation
and discover what assistance we can offer to you and your family.
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As of February 2021, we are open again and accepting in-office consultations.
If you want to know more about the Biden's Proposed Immigration Reform, watch our video!