Illinois to become 3rd State to grant driver licenses for illegal aliens

Illinois is moving closer to grant driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. House lawmakers voted 65-46 in favor of the plan and Gov. Pat Quinn. Quinn has said he will sign the measure. "Illinois roads will be safer if we ensure every driver learns the rules of the road and is trained to drive safely," Quinn said in a statement. "I look forward to signing this legislation."

The Illinois law would allow immigrants who drive to work and school eligible for three-year temporary licenses.  The licenses couldn’t be valid to buy a firearm, register to vote or travel on a plane. Law enforcement officials wouldn’t be allowed to use these licenses to arrest illegal immigrants for deportation.

“This bill means safer roads for Illinois, this is going to save lives,” state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, a Cicero Democrat who sponsored the bill, said after the vote. “It’s the bottom line, this is a safety issue.”

The bill, introduced late last year, has received bipartisan support from its inception. The Senate approved the measure in December. Former Gov. Jim Edgar, a Republican, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, have spoken out in favor of the proposal.

Each applicant would pay $30, the regular fee for a driver’s license.  There will be different offices for the immigrants to apply throughout the state, however, only one location, will review the information submitted by the applicant. When applying, immigrants will be required to present a valid unexpired passport from their country of citizenship or a valid unexpired consular identification document and proof of insurance.

The two other states that currently allow illegal immigrants to obtain licenses are Washington and New Mexico.   Utah allows permits and Connecticut officials said this week that some young illegal immigrants could apply if they qualify for the DACA (Deferred Action for Young Arrivals), a federal program enacted by the Obama administration.  A number of other states are considering similar laws.

You can follow this links:

Apsan Law Offices, LLC.