New driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants aims to remove ‘Scarlet Letter’ stigma

CHICAGO — Beginning Monday, undocumented immigrants are able to get a driver’s license in the state of Illinois. The change is among several new laws and ordinances taking effect July 1.

The new law allows noncitizen residents to receive a standard driver’s license with the wording “Federal Limits Apply” printed on top. They replace the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) with the purple banner that undocumented immigrants have legally used.

“That purple marker has become a Scarlet Letter, exposing them to judgement, discrimination or immigration enforcement,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said at a Monday event at the National Museum of Mexican Art. “You might hear some people push back on this legislation. You may hear some scare tactics. But that’s what divides us, and they are not solid arguments.”

While the TVDL was only be able to be used to drive, the new driver’s licenses can also be used as a form of identification to open bank accounts or apply for housing. The new cards note that they cannot be used to vote or attain citizenship.

Those eligible for a TVDL must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and not have a Social Security number. Individuals must provide their U.S. immigration documentation, a passport or a consular card, requirements that remain the same under the new proposal.

Applicants for a standard driver’s license would be required to follow the same process as applying for a TVDL. Still, the license they receive would be the same as one issued to any other Illinoisan whose ID does not comply with federal REAL ID guidelines.

Illinois joins numerous states with similar processes, including California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Colorado.

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