US Immigration: California DMV to Give Over 1 Million Undocumented Immigrants Driver Licenses in 2015
California Division of Motor Vehicles is preparing to issue 1.4 million new driver's licenses after Jan. 1 under The Safe and Responsible Drivers Act, a new law that allows undocumented immigrants to get a California driver's license.
Maria Rodriguez, an undocumented immigrant, plans on applying for a license under the new law.
"It's the best thing that could have happened to us in California. We've been waiting for it for many, many years," she told FOX40.
The new law, also known as Assembly Bill 60, goes into effect after Jan. 1. Undocumented immigrants will go through the same process as U.S. citizens else to get their license, but restrictions will apply on the document.
For example, on the front, the license will say "Federal Limits Apply." On the back. it will read, "This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes" and that it can only be used as a license to drive, according to Fox News Latino.
"We strongly believe that by having more people with a driver's license and having gone through the whole process, the roads will be somehow safer in California," California DMV spokesperson Armando Botello said.
In 2010, the son of a man named Don Rosenberg was hit and killed by an undocumented immigrant driver. He testified against the bill last summer. Rosenberg said he believes that undocumented immigrants are not experienced enough to drive. He also argues that there is a language barrier on the roads, and being that the permit test is offered in 10 different languages, he fears they won't be able to read signs.
Rodriguez said she and many other undocumented immigrants just like her speak perfect English.
When Assembly Bill 60 goes into effect, California will become the 11th state to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses.
The license will cost $33 as usual, and all drivers are required to have insurance.
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