Opinions

Mon, 26 Jul, 2021

Do you believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for a driver’s licence?

Linked table of contents

Introduction

Giving unlawful permanent residents a driver's licence can help our law enforcement in a variety of ways. Obtaining a driver's licence entails having a photo and address taken at the moment the licence is obtained. This makes it easier to find someone if they commit a crime in the future. "By denying a licence to illegal immigrants, we just increase the pool of state citizens who are not tracked in any database that tracks outstanding warrants, child-support delinquents, and risks to national security." Undocumented immigrants will continue to drive without a licence regardless of what we do. Why not make our roadways a bit safer by granting them a driver's licence?

Why Should States Issue Driver's Licences to All Residents?


The job of giving driver's licences and enlisting vehicles has been a capacity of the state, instead of the central government. Each state has regulations managing insignificant prerequisites and qualifications for driver's licences, which are implemented and kept up with by each state's branch of engine vehicles ("Department of Motor Vehicles' '). Without broad federal changes, states have taken on immigration legislation one problem at a time. This includes drivers who are unable to confirm their lawful presence. In truth, ten states have passed legislation in the previous three years to provide so-called unauthorised immigrants with driver's licence and identification cards. Meanwhile, some states have enacted new (or maintained existing) restrictions on such limited licences.

The federal government is in charge of granting immigration status. States, on the other hand, govern who is eligible to acquire a driver's licence or identity card. At the moment, thirteen states and the District of Columbia have made significant investments in highway and public safety by enabling illegal residents to apply for limited-purpose licences and identity cards. Furthermore, Oregon approved the Equal Access to Road Act in 2019 to abolish the necessity for proof of lawful presence on a noncommercial driver's licence. Under this statute, the state will begin granting licences in January 2021.


Undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identification, such as a valid foreign passport, as well as proof of presence in the state, such as a utility bill, to receive driver's licence and IDs. More anti-fraud techniques should be included to strengthen the integrity of a licence. Better training, security features, and fingerprinting should all be included. Some may claim that obtaining a driver's licence is a privilege rather than a right.

Reasons why Illegal Immigration should be licensed to Drive. 

Immigrants receiving driver's licences may increase road safety and responsibility- Before acquiring a driver's licence, most people must undergo a driver's education class, pass a written exam, and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. During this period, the individual learns how to correctly drive a car, how to understand various traffic signals, and the road laws that make driving a safe activity. Driving regulations and practices, together with voluntary compliance, can help to improve highway safety.