While a number of states, including Arizona and Georgia have passed very tough immigration laws, California is enacting laws that will make the state friendlier to undocumented immigrants.
Legislators in the largely Democratic state passed a law Thursday that will allow young immigrants, who qualify for deferred action, often referred to as Dreamers, the chance to get a driver’s license. The bill passed with a 15 to 55 vote and now goes to Gov. Brown for his signature. This is just one of the few pro-immigration bills to pass in the state.
The bill will allow immigrants to use federal documents issued under deferred action as proof to apply for a California driver’s license.
“It is a victory for those who are brought here through no fault of their own, played by the rules, and are only asking to be included in and contribute to American society,” said the bill’s sponsor, Assembly member Gilbert Cedillo.
Cedillo is confident that Gov. Brown will sign the bill, though he has been relatively silent this week about the all the immigration laws passing over his desk this week.
Earlier this week, they state legislature passed a bill that would bar participation in Secure Communities, a federal database used to confirm the legal status of a person, who is applying for a job or someone who is arrested.
Arizona and other states that have enacted tough immigration laws have said they would not grant these young people a driver’s license even if they are given legal status through deferred action.
Legal immigration is the only way to guarantee that a person will have access to a driver’s license or other privileges of citizenship. An immigration lawyer makes it possible for those who wish to have a legal presence get the visas or green card they need.
