Chicago, IL – In a landmark move to support undocumented immigrants, Illinois has introduced a new law that grants them standard driver's licenses. Effective Monday, July 1, 2024, this change aims to reduce discrimination and enhance road safety across the state.
Key Highlights:
- New Legislation: Undocumented immigrants can now receive standard driver's licenses, replacing the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).
- Safety and Equality: The law is designed to eliminate the stigma associated with the TVDL and ensure safer driving conditions.
- Broad Impact: Over 300,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois are eligible for the new license.
- Data Protection: The new law prohibits the use of data from these licenses for immigration enforcement unless there is a court-ordered warrant or subpoena.
For more than a decade, undocumented immigrants in Illinois have been able to drive legally with a TVDL. However, this license came with a purple banner indicating it was not valid for identification, often leading to discrimination and fear among holders. The new standard driver's license, featuring the same red rectangle and "Federal Limits Apply" text as other Illinois licenses, changes this dynamic.
Adeola, an immigrant from Nigeria, shared his relief at the change. He recounted a harrowing experience of being pulled over by police and the anxiety of presenting his TVDL. "I was shivering in my car," he said. The new license brings a sense of normalcy and confidence to him and thousands of others.
Key Points:
- The TVDL, introduced in 2013, allowed undocumented immigrants to drive legally but could not be used as an ID.
- The new standard driver's license can be used for identification, helping immigrants open bank accounts and apply for housing.
- The law prohibits the use of license data for immigration enforcement without a court order.
- License holders can use the new ID to fill prescriptions and apply for apartments, though it cannot be used to vote.
Application Process:
First-time applicants must visit a DMV facility to present required documents. Those eligible for a standard driver’s license must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and provide a passport or consular card, proof of residency, and proof of insurance. Applicants seeking to renew or replace their existing TVDLs can apply online at www.ilsos.gov/TVDL or visit a DMV facility.
Additional Benefits:
- The new law ensures that Illinois does not share driver information with immigration enforcement without a court order.
- The standard driver's license can now be used as a form of ID for essential services like opening a bank account or applying for housing.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias emphasized the law's importance in fostering inclusivity and safety. "This will help ensure that no longer will people in Illinois who are undocumented live with the stigma that we are putting away forever," he stated.
This progressive law aligns Illinois with states like New York and California, encouraging unlicensed drivers to become legitimate, insured motorists. The state expects to mail out 22,000 new IDs to those who have requested replacements, paving the way for a more inclusive and safer driving environment.