Over half of the driver's licenses issued in California this year have been distributed to undocumented immigrants in light of a new law that extends licenses to people regardless of their residency status.

The law, AB 60, went into effect on Jan. 2, allowing undocumented workers to apply for driver's licenses within the state. According to a report released on Friday, 397,000 of the 759,000 licenses issued by California's Department of Motor Vehicles during the first six months of the year went to immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally.

"The latest numbers reflect the continued successful implementation of AB 60," said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto, according to Los Angeles Times. "The DMV was determined to develop a process that would not only meet the stringent requirements of this new law, but also the unique needs of our newly expanded customer base."

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law in 2013 to provide licenses to immigrants and allow them to legally drive to work and school. Immigrant rights advocates say that the law makes the roads safer for everyone by requiring immigrants to pass the driver's license test and get insurance. Meanwhile, new drivers say a driver's license gives them more freedom to travel for work and pleasure.

"It's great that people are taking advantage of this new law," said Jackelin Aguilar, a community organizer for Placer People of Faith Together, to the Associated Press.

"It's definitely a step forward for the families, and having identification is huge," Aguilar said.

However, on the other hand, opponents say the state is rewarding people for entering the country illegally.

"There are now 400,000 more signals to people all over the world that working illegally in California is encouraged by the government itself," said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA.

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.