New driving law worries some
Updated: January 29, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Undocumented immigrants can now drive in Illinois. Advocates are calling it a step in the right direction, but critics say it's going to cause more identity fraud.
They say there aren't enough safeguards in the law. The state uses facial recognition software to detect fraud, but some say it doesn't do enough. They want illegal immigrant drivers fingerprinted instead.
The law is brand new and has a few requirements all undocumented immigrants have to meet. They must have lived here for more than a year and pass the state's driving test, both written and driving. They'll also be required to have car insurance.
Advocates say it isn't a matter of giving them more rights, it's about keeping roads safe for everyone. They don't support the idea of fingerprinting either because they think it will discourage applicants. They also say the state doesn't have the resources to do it.
The licenses are only to drive. They can't be used to vote or board a plane. People can start applying for them this fall.
Illinois is the fourth state to let undocumented immigrants drive. The others include New Mexico, Washington and Utah. Thousands in those states have applied for driving privileges. Advocates believe they'll get the same kind of response here.
They say there aren't enough safeguards in the law. The state uses facial recognition software to detect fraud, but some say it doesn't do enough. They want illegal immigrant drivers fingerprinted instead.
The law is brand new and has a few requirements all undocumented immigrants have to meet. They must have lived here for more than a year and pass the state's driving test, both written and driving. They'll also be required to have car insurance.
Advocates say it isn't a matter of giving them more rights, it's about keeping roads safe for everyone. They don't support the idea of fingerprinting either because they think it will discourage applicants. They also say the state doesn't have the resources to do it.
The licenses are only to drive. They can't be used to vote or board a plane. People can start applying for them this fall.
Illinois is the fourth state to let undocumented immigrants drive. The others include New Mexico, Washington and Utah. Thousands in those states have applied for driving privileges. Advocates believe they'll get the same kind of response here.
