While this is not the case in every state, current California law does
permit immigrants with no legal status to obtain driver’s licenses.
AB-60, a bill that the California legislature enacted two years ago, has
allowed over 850,000 immigrants to get their driver’s licenses.
The use of these licenses is limited to driving; immigrants cannot use
the licenses for identification to board airplanes or cross borders. Although
a controversial measure that was over ten years in the making, AB-60 has
made thousands of immigrants able to work, transport their children to
school and doctor’s appointments, and even shop as needed. With
the advent of the Trump administration, however, immigrants have been
less likely to seek out driver’s licenses pursuant to AB-60 out
of fear of deportation. Some immigrants believe that giving the information
to the Department of Motor Vehicles will be turned over to the federal
government for the purposes of deportation, despite the DMV’s assurances
otherwise. Although DMV databases are available to law enforcement agencies,
the information in those databases does not include the immigration status
of a particular individual. Additionally, California law does not allow
law enforcement officers to discriminate against individuals who have
AB-60 licenses. California is one of the 12 states and the District of
Columbia that allow immigrants with no legal status to obtain legal driver’s
licenses. California officials claim that allowing AB-60 driver’s
licenses has made their roads safer for everyone, as all licensed drivers
must take a test and undergo an eye exam. One study from Stanford University
shows that the rate of hit-and-run accidents has increased at a much slower
rate, since drivers are less likely to run from the scene if they have
a valid driver’s license. It is our goal to provide you both with
the legal representation that you need, as well as practical tips for
living in the United States. No matter your situation or what your needs
may be, we devote all of our efforts to advocating on behalf of you and
your family before the immigration court. Don’t hesitate to contact
the Bay Area immigration lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., and
set up your legal consultation today. We are here to help.
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