Nebraskan Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are now allowed to apply for the state's driver's license despite the governor's opposition.

Last week, Nebraskan lawmakers voted to pass LB 623 to grant DACA recipients the right to receive a driver's license. Republican Gov. Pete Rickett, however, vetoed the legislation. On Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature voted to override Rickett's veto with a 34-10 vote.

"Nebraska's business and faith leaders led the way to this commonsense solution that clearly benefits the state's economy," National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani said. "While Congress leaves a leadership vacuum, local leaders from both sides of the aisle are stepping forward. Nebraska is just the latest example of thoughtful conservative leadership in a conservative state."

According to the National Immigration Forum, with Nebraska passing the law, all 50 U.S. states now allow DACA recipients to apply for a driver's license. The organization noted approximately 2,700 DACA recipients live in Nebraska. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 9.9 percent of Nebraska's population are Latino.

Nebraska Restaurant Association Executive Director Jim Partington said Nebraskans recognized the undocumented immigrant youths have also been raised, educated and contributed inside the state.

"I commend our political leadership for recognizing these contributions and for the courage and vision the overwhelming majority of our senators demonstrated by voting for LB 623."

Ricketts released a statement echoing his displeasure with the Nebraska Legislature's actions.

"The Legislature's decision to provide driver licenses and state identification cards to illegal immigrants is an inappropriate benefit to non-citizens," Ricketts said. "The legislation passed today extends these benefits to any illegal immigrant who has 'approved deferred action status,' and not just the young adults many senators intended to help."

"Youth are often casualties of their context and circumstances," said JD Senkbile, a pastor and director of InCommon Community Development in Omaha. "We as a community should strive to give them opportunity to grow and better their life. We should commend our elected officials' willingness to work together on immigration legislation that is fair to taxpayers and provides opportunities for our communities' immigrant youth."

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