Governor Pritzker Surprises Illinois With Interesting News

The Governor recently made an interesting announcement about Illinois providing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants...

Photo byThe White House

Governor Pritzker recently signed legislation that will allow undocumented immigrants to receive driver's licenses in Illinois. According to an official press release by the Governor's office, the plan to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants will replace the current Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) with a standard 4-year license.

"This legislation is a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face," said Illinois Governor Pritzker. "We're ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver's license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all."

"TVDLs have become the ‘Scarlet Letter' of an individual's immigration status and sadly exposes them to discrimination or immigration enforcement," said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. "This legislation allows immigrants to obtain standard driver licenses that will serve as authentic identification in Illinois. It will help prevent the stigma, instances of discrimination, and problems that TVDLs have been known to cause while making roads safer and enabling immigrants to use a standard license as identification for basic necessities like filling prescriptions or renting an apartment."

"To be a welcoming state, we must ensure communities have the tools to truly feel welcomed. Providing access to a standard Illinois Driver's License for our undocumented immigrants is about breaking down barriers that lead to discrimination and creating a pathway so everyone can drive safely on our roads," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "I applaud Governor JB Pritzker and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for their determination and commitment to making Illinois a safer and more equitable state for all our residents."

"Illinois has long stood as a safe haven for immigrants, and now joins numerous states with similar processes, including California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Colorado," said Ricardo Estrada, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Family Services. "Thanks to Representative Barbara Hernandez and members of the general assembly for their sponsorship and thanks to Governor Pritzker for his leadership and for making us all safer today.

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