Thousands of immigrants lined up at the Department of Motor Vehicles in California on Friday to take advantage of a new law that allows undocumented workers to apply for driver's licenses.

The law, which is called AB 60, went into effect on Jan. 2. It was signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013. As a result, at least 11,000 people applied for the special licenses by late Friday afternoon, reports the Los Angeles Times.

"This is a big opportunity for me," said Sammy Moeung, a 24-year-old Cambodian immigrant, to CBS Sacremento. "Having this is moving a step forward in life, in California and the United States."

In total, the DMV expects 1.4 million people to seek a license within the first three years of the program.

Besides California, nine other states also allow undocumented immigrants to apply for special licenses that are distinguished by a unique marking. The licenses are not recognized as a valid form of federal identification.

Supporters of the law say it will make the roads safer for drivers by ensuring all people behind the wheel have passed written and road tests and enable them to get car insurance.

"No longer are undocumented people in the shadows," California Gov. Jerry Brown said when he signed the law in 2013, according to Fox News Latino.

Likewise, the bill's author, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Alejo, said he also believes the bill will help the undocumented population.

"Our state is getting ready to offer these families a chance to get to work, a chance to bring their children to school and a chance at making it to the hospital during medical emergencies by allowing undocumented Californians to earn a driver's license," he said.

However, immigrant-rights advocates argue the licenses may cause discrimination against the undocumented looking for housing or making a purchase since they will be distinguished with the phrase "federal limits apply" written on the front and the sentence, "This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes," written on the back.

Republican lawmakers, on the other hand, criticize the bill as a measure to reward illegal behavior.

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