Access to Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Residents States Map

On May 10, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1718 into law. This law impacts various issues affecting immigrants, including state and local government funding for community identifications, invalidation of certain out-of-state driver’s licenses and permits for undocumented immigrants, collection and reporting of immigration status by hospitals receiving Medicaid, expansion of E-Verify and other employment-related provisions, and criminal ramifications for those transporting certain migrants into the state of Florida.

This one-page resource provides an overview of the problems surrounding unauthorized practice of immigration law and how those seeking immigration services can protect themselves from fraud. For information on state legal mechanisms to combat UPIL, please see this resource put together by AILA and CLINIC.

This one-page document gives ten indicators of a state or community that is welcoming to immigrants, including providing ample community resources for newly arrived immigrants, educational services, language access, and more.

CLINIC, supports SB 365/HB 588, the Access to Care Act. Adoption of this legislation in Maryland is critical for the common good and social justice. Health care is not a commodity but a human right that should be afforded to every person. Health care access should not depend on an individual’s income, the type of job they have, where they live, their age, nationality, or any other factor. This bill helps migrants and our communities as a whole by preserving the stability of families, neighborhoods, and employers. The purpose of the bill is to ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, is allowed to access the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

CLINIC’s State and Local Immigration Project: 2022 State Immigration Legislation & Policies in Review Annual Report

Immigrants can be particularly vulnerable to certain crimes due to many factors, such as the lack of knowledge around U.S. laws, cultural difference, separation from family and friends, language barriers, and fear of being detained and/or deported. The U Visa was created to help build and strengthen community ties with law enforcement so that immigrants are not afraid to come forward and report crimes.

CLINIC submitted testimony to the Maryland legislature in support of a bill that would guarantee access to representation for immigrants in removal proceedings.

CLINIC tracked 417 pieces of legislation from January through August 2021 in all states and the District of Columbia.

This November 2020 State Government Guide presents the economic, legislative and personal benefits of naturalization for aspiring citizens and the communities in which they live.

This year, lawmakers in 46 states and the District of Columbia convened for a legislative session. As in previous years, immigration issues were a priority for many legislators. CLINIC tracked 494 pieces of legislation between January and October in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Close to 65 bills and resolutions have been adopted or signed by the governors. A total of 222 proposed bills had died by July 31, while the remaining bills continued through the legislative process. North Dakota, Nevada, Montana and Texas were not in regular session.

Here are six ways immigration practitioners and community leaders can encourage census participation in their cities.

This tool provides step-by-step guidance for using your state’s open records process for advocacy on issues that affect immigrants in your communities.

This resource provides general information about the standby guardianship process.

Granting immigration status is the job of the federal government. However, states regulate who may receive a driver’s license or identification card. Currently, thirteen states and the District of Columbia have made a major investment in highway and public safety by allowing undocumented residents to apply for limited-purpose license and identification documents.

This resource highlights the benefits of expanding access to state identification cards and driver’s licenses for all residents.

President Trump issued an Executive Order13888 on Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement, or the “Executive Order”, on Sept. 26 that will allow states and localities to restrict the resettlement of refugee in their areas.

This year, lawmakers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia convened for legislative session. As in previous years, immigration issues were a priority for many legislators. CLINIC tracked 430 pieces of legislation between January and July in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Close to 60 bills and resolutions have been adopted or signed by the governors. A total of 130 proposed bills had died by July 31, while the remaining bills continued through the legislative process. Lawmakers in Alaska, Delaware, Idaho and Louisiana did not propose immigration legislation.

A professional or occupational license authorizes practitioners of certain professions or trade, such as, medicine, teaching, plumbing, electrician, and cosmetology to work in a given industry. Although state governments regulate professional licenses through state licensing boards, under federal law, professional licenses cannot be extended to undocumented immigrants unless states affirmatively opt out of such federal restrictions by enacting legislation to provide for eligibility.[1]

This resource provides an overview of the federal E-Verify program, its challenges, as well as state and local laws requiring employers to use the program. It discusses gaps in state E-Verify laws and recommends alternatives to strengthen state economies and the workforce.

A federal court judge in California entered a ruling mostly in favor of the state in United States v. California, in which the Trump administration challenged the legality of the state’s pro-immigrant laws that were enacted in 2017: SB 54, AB 103, and AB 450.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. This infographic shows states that allow immigrant youth access to affordable and quality higher education. See whether DACA termination affects immigrants’ ability to attend or afford college in your state.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. This infographic shows states that allow immigrant youth access to affordable and quality higher education. See whether DACA termination affects immigrants’ ability to attend or afford college in your state.

A federal court judge has ruled against Texas in the landmark case, City of El Cenizo et al v. Texas

City of El Cenizo et al v. Texas regarding the state’s anti-immigrant law, commonly known as SB4.

This resource provides talking points for why states should enact laws that protect your community against notario fraud and other harmful immigration services.

A toolkit with ideas for working with your local officials on immigrant integration.

Hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric has become common place in the news cycle and in legislative bodies across our country. In order to combat the narrative, organizations serving immigrants must look for ways to safely amplify immigrant voices in their communities. This three-part guide will teach you how to combat anti-immigrant narratives through legislative testimony, local media work, and social media.

Civic engagement helps ensure the voices of the public are heard. It is a way to hold political leaders accountable and to protect marginalized groups, such as immigrants, by emphasizing issues that are important to the entire community. One way to become involved in the political process is to stay up to date with your state legislative process.

This updated resource provides additional statistics related to the financial contributions undocumented immigrants make to local economies, as well as public policy arguments to support immigrant-friendly communities.

This resource outlines the kinds of identification cards used by undocumented immigrants and their benefits to the community.

This resources was created to understand immigration detainers and their impact on communities.

Trying to understand immigration law by yourself can be overwhelming. Figuring out who to trust is just as hard. Beware of notarios and other immigration scammers trying to cheat you out of your money and waste your time.

Due to the complexity of immigration law, even small mistakes can result in severe consequences to immigrants.

Read five facts about state mandatory e-verify laws.

A webinar outlining the recent enforcement efforts in the United States and a call to action for individuals.

Placing non-criminals in detention is not in line with that value, nor does it realize refugees’ God given human rights.

Currently, seven states and the District of Columbia grant driver’s licenses to residents who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. Four additional states have passed legislation to that effect and will begin granting licenses to undocumented residents within the next year. However, only two of these states offer undocumented residents the standard driver’s license available to individuals lawfully present in the country.

Currently, seven states and the District of Columbia grant driver’s licenses to residents who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. Four additional states have passed legislation to that effect and will begin granting licenses to undocumented residents within the next year. However, only two of these states offer undocumented residents the standard driver’s license available to individuals lawfully present in the country.

S1696 would establish driving privilege cards for New Jersey residents who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. It was introduced in the New Jersey Senate on March 17, 2014 by Senators Joseph Vitale and Teresa Ruiz and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. It is identical to A2135, introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on January 16, 2014.  

Offering in-state tuition rates to all residents, regardless of immigration status, is fundamentally fair, fiscally responsible, beneficial to the economy.

Why states should enact laws that protect your community against notario fraud and other harmful immigration services.

Granting driver’s licenses to all residents improves public safety on our roads.

• Extending driving privileges to undocumented immigrants will require individuals to take driver’s tests and properly register with the state’s motor vehicle agency.
• Licensed drivers know the rules of the road and have a proper understanding of traffic regulations.
• Licensed drivers will be more likely to obtain auto insurance, reducing the cost of accidents involving uninsured motorists and potentially lowering insurance rates for everyone.
• Individuals with driver’s

Driver’s licenses play a critical role in American society and enable us to participate more fully and productively in our communities. Most of us rely on cars to get ourselves and our families to work, school, the hospital, the grocery store, and church. In addition to facilitating transportation, driver’s licenses enhance public safety by ensuring that all drivers are trained, tested, and qualify for automobile insurance.

The document discusses five state-level legislative initiatives that promote the integration of immigrants into our states and communities.