Drivers’ Licenses For Undocumented Workers In California

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that allows undocumented workers in the U.S. to get permits to drive legally in California. This acknowledges that there many workers who are not documented and who need a way to get to their jobs.  And it’s also matter of road safety.

“This is only the first step. When a million people without their documents drive legally with respect to the state of California, the rest of this country will have to stand up and take notice,” said Brown, who officially signed the bill earlier Thursday. “No longer are undocumented people in the shadows, they are alive and well and respected in the state of California.”

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Chief Charlie Beck also applauded the legislation.

“Today is a great a day for Los Angeles, for all of California, and we hope an inspiration for this nation,” Garcetti said.

The bill by Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Watsonville) was changed at Brown’s request to meet requirements of the federal Department of Homeland Security, including to require that the permits carry the notation “DP,” for driving privilege, to distinguish them from regular driver’s licenses.

In addition, a notice on the cards will say: “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. This license is issued only as a license to drive a motor vehicle. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration or public benefits.”

By: Cheston Catalano

Cheston Catalano is a Kentucky-based journalist whose work has been featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. He is a long-time contributor to Liberaland.