L.A. Endorses Giving Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants

Photo: Omar Omar/Flickr/Creative Commons License

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously endorsed a state bill that would give undocumented immigrants driver's licenses.

Though proof of maintaining a U.S. residence would still be required, the measure would allow people without a Social Security number to apply for a license. If the legislation is passed, roughly two million people in California could become eligible for licensure.

Proponents of the measure are arguing that providing identification to undocumented immigrants will make roads safer. Republican lawmakers opposing the bill say that loosening the requirements would jeopardize other uses for the card, such as showing a driver's license as ID to board a plane.

Four states -- New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Illinois -- have already passed similar bills. Most recently in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed similar legislation, claiming the bill would violate federal law.

The California Assembly approved the legislation on a vote of 55-20 last Thursday, sending it to the Senate. If approved and signed by the Governor, it would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.