Immigrant rights advocates celebrate undocumented driver’s license new look

By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Oct. 3, 2014

LOS ANGELES – Immigrant rights advocates and city leaders held a celebration rally outside Los Angeles City Hall after the Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled the new design for licenses.

Under federal laws, states that do issues driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants must put a mark on their licenses saying that it cannot be used for federal purposes.

However after several versions of the license were unveiled, immigrant rights advocates were fearful that distinguishing marks on the card could also mark them as potential victims of police profiling.

The compromised card will bear a simple fine print that would say that “federal limits apply.”

“It’s great that it’ll look as similar as possible as a driver’s license,” said Filipino Dreamer Anthony Ng of Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

Activists also hope that the federal government ensures privacy during the application period.

Last year, Assembly Bill 60 was signed into law, allowing undocumented immigrants to legally obtain drivers licenses in California. Several other states also have similar laws.

Undocumented drivers can begin applying for licenses early next year. Advocates suggest that possible applicants should begin studying for the written exams while that gather documents that can prove their identity.