Illinois Legislation Paves the Way for Safer Roads, Equal Identification Rights for Immigrant Drivers

In an effort to reduce discrimination and enhance road safety, Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill that would expand identification options for undocumented immigrants. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, a key participant in crafting the legislation, states that House Bill 3882 could greatly improve the lives of non-citizen residents in Illinois.

Ending the Stigma, Ensuring Fairness

The bill, which awaits the governor's signature, would allow eligible non-citizen residents to receive a standard driver’s license, replacing the current Temporary Visitor Driver's Licenses (TVDLs). These standard licenses would include the phrase "Federal Limits Apply" as per the federal REAL ID Act.

The new licenses will remove the purple TVDL marker and the wording “Not Valid for Identification,” which are currently displayed on TVDLs. Unlike TVDLs, the proposed standard licenses would serve as valid identification.

"These driver licenses are standardized to serve as authentic identification and to help remove the stigma, prevent instances of discrimination and avoid problems they have been known to cause," said Giannoulias. He mentioned that TVDLs have made it challenging for cardholders to complete basic tasks like filling prescriptions or renting apartments.

State Representatives Barbara Hernandez and Ram Villivalam, the bill's sponsors, echoed Giannoulias's sentiments, emphasizing the legislation's potential to dismantle racial bias and increase equitable access for immigrant communities.

Road Safety & Immigration

TVDLs were first issued in 2013 to ensure all drivers, regardless of citizenship status, passed a road test. Over 300,000 Illinoisans currently have a TVDL, which requires stringent road testing and proof of auto insurance.

Under the new proposal, the requirements to obtain a standard license would remain the same as those for a TVDL: applicants must have lived in Illinois for over a year and provide U.S. immigration documentation, a passport, or a consular card. However, they would now be issued a license identical to other Illinois residents whose IDs do not comply with federal REAL ID guidelines.

Protection of Personal Information

The bill also establishes standard, non-REAL ID-compliant ID cards for immigrants and prohibits using driver information for immigration enforcement purposes. Immigrant motorists would not be eligible for a REAL ID, and safeguards have been put in place to ensure they cannot be added to the voting rolls.

If signed into law, Illinois would join several states with similar processes, including California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Colorado.

Link to Original Source: Illinois Secretary of State News