The state of California has taken one more step in securing rights for immigrants. A new bill has recently passed allowing young immigrants living illegally in the country to obtain driver’s licenses. This move could appeal heavily to Hispanic voters within the region and could also eventually lean toward easing citizenship and naturalization for immigrants.
Proponents of the bill claim it as a victory for people who were brought to this country as children and who have been living within the rules of American society. The bill overwhelmingly passed the state’s Assembly and has been sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The passage of the bill has spotlighted California as a “major proponent of integration” for undocumented immigrants who entered the country when they were children.
California has a markedly different stance on citizenship and naturalization than some other states in the country. This most recent move stands to benefit thousands of undocumented immigrants within San Diego and the rest of California. The state currently has approximately 2.6 million undocumented immigrants, the largest number in America. The passage of the driver’s license bill could help many immigrants find work because they will have proper identification.
The state of California appears to be proactively fighting for immigrants’ rights. Eventually, bills like these could pave the way for an easier citizenship and naturalization process for undocumented immigrants. Immigrants who plan to pursue American citizenship would be well advised to gain in-depth knowledge of the guidelines, paperwork and legalities involved before moving forward in the process.
Source: Reuters, “California okays driving licenses for some illegal immigrants,” Mary Slosson, Aug. 31, 2012