Driver's license rule hampering immigrants

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Thousands of immigrants in Indiana could find it harder to get their driver's licenses because of tough new identification requirements imposed late last year by the state.

Some fear the new standards, which took effect Nov. 10, could force many immigrants to drive without licenses and thus without insurance, potentially making Indiana a more dangerous and expensive place to drive.

"We believe that restricting individuals from obtaining a driver's license will cause major problems in the streets of Indiana," said Leo Tamez, president of the Association of Mexican Leaders in Action based in Indianapolis. He wrote a letter to Gov. Mitch Daniels protesting the new rules late last year. "They are going to have to get to work, and restricting them from driving makes it worse."

continued...

[I'm Gone 60]

"The heart of the problem seems to involve the bureau's revised policy on Social Security cards. A valid Social Security card is mandatory to receive a driver's license. Immigrants cannot obtain Social Security cards; only people who become U.S. citizens may get one."

BS If you have authorization to work in the U.S., you can be assigned an SSN.

"They are going to have to get to work, and restricting them from driving makes it worse."

If you aren't authorized to work, which means you can't be assigned an SSN, then you shouldn't have any work to go to in the first place.

"Hail said those most affected are illegal immigrants and legal immigrants (who are not U.S. citizens) who need cars to get to and from work. She said the lack of adequate public transportation forces many to drive unlicensed, which in turn means uninsured drivers on the road. A license is required to obtain insurance."

It's only the illegals that will be affected and if you break one law in being here, what makes them think they won't drive without insurance even with a license.

[peejay 327]

It's only the illegals that will be affected and if you break one law in being here, what makes them think they won't drive without insurance even with a license.

In many places the police are already confiscating and impounding the vehicles of drivers that insist on driving without insurance (and licenses). Good for them! Of course there are illegal immigrant advocates that protest that this is unfair and disproportionately impacts illegal immigrants. So what? Driving is a priviledge and not a right. They enter the country illegally, work illegally, and often drive illegally without insurance. Does anybody see a pattern here?

My wife and stepdaughter immigrated to America legally and we obtained all of the necessary documents to work legally and to get their driver's licenses. And YES, they do have auto liability insurance.

Why is it that the people that most complain about the laws, rules, and regulations are the ones that don't want to abide by them?

If some of the State laws are making it more difficult for the legal immigrants it is because illegal immigration has become such a rampant problem that these measures have become necessary. Are you listening Mr. President and Congress?

[internetkafe 0]

It's only the illegals that will be affected and if you break one law in being here, what makes them think they won't drive without insurance even with a license.

In many places the police are already confiscating and impounding the vehicles of drivers that insist on driving without insurance (and licenses). Good for them! Of course there are illegal immigrant advocates that protest that this is unfair and disproportionately impacts illegal immigrants. So what? Driving is a priviledge and not a right. They enter the country illegally, work illegally, and often drive illegally without insurance. Does anybody see a pattern here?

My wife and stepdaughter immigrated to America legally and we obtained all of the necessary documents to work legally and to get their driver's licenses. And YES, they do have auto liability insurance.

Why is it that the people that most complain about the laws, rules, and regulations are the ones that don't want to abide by them?

If some of the State laws are making it more difficult for the legal immigrants it is because illegal immigration has become such a rampant problem that these measures have become necessary. Are you listening Mr. President and Congress?

I completely agree with you!

[rebeccajo 14]

In West Virginia we had to have work authorization to get a license. Had to wait till we had the EAD.

If being able to work is a requirement, then that is moderately fair.

To have to wait on the green card seems harsh to me.

[eric_drewry 0]

Obviously the author of the story had no clue what he was talking about, but coming from the Indy Star I'm not surprised.

Living in Indianapolis and not expecting that my wife will have any problems getting a license once she learns how to drive

[sheila526 2]

[Patricia_and_andy 0]

Andy Just passed his Indiana test for his learner's permit... which he has to hold for 60 days while they verify his immigration papers. We spent a total of 2 and 1/2 hours there while they figured out what to do with him.... he has EAD, SSN... so it should have been straight forward but it wasn't!! lol

Any way he got it... and was told that if he wanted to drive without a license driver.. which is required with the learners permit... that he could get an international drivers license with his UK drivers license and drive by himself!! which is just ####### if they allow that then why not just give a license.. doesn't make sense... but oh well what does in this process.

Patricia

[sharky 2]

Andy Just passed his Indiana test for his learner's permit... which he has to hold for 60 days while they verify his immigration papers. We spent a total of 2 and 1/2 hours there while they figured out what to do with him.... he has EAD, SSN... so it should have been straight forward but it wasn't!! lol

Any way he got it... and was told that if he wanted to drive without a license driver.. which is required with the learners permit... that he could get an international drivers license with his UK drivers license and drive by himself!! which is just ####### if they allow that then why not just give a license.. doesn't make sense... but oh well what does in this process.

Patricia

Guys,

I've been reading your threads on this an have just a general question which I hope someone can answer.

I have a full UK drivers licence and will be getting married to my fiancee in California this July. Obviously I will need to drive in the US, so what is the best option?

Get an international drivers licence and drive with that?

or apply for a Californian drivers licence..... however what does that involve? does it involve taking a US driving test over their?

any information is greatly appreciated

Paul

[Patricia_and_andy 0]

Andy Just passed his Indiana test for his learner's permit... which he has to hold for 60 days while they verify his immigration papers. We spent a total of 2 and 1/2 hours there while they figured out what to do with him.... he has EAD, SSN... so it should have been straight forward but it wasn't!! lol

Any way he got it... and was told that if he wanted to drive without a license driver.. which is required with the learners permit... that he could get an international drivers license with his UK drivers license and drive by himself!! which is just ####### if they allow that then why not just give a license.. doesn't make sense... but oh well what does in this process.

Patricia

Guys,

I've been reading your threads on this an have just a general question which I hope someone can answer.

I have a full UK drivers licence and will be getting married to my fiancee in California this July. Obviously I will need to drive in the US, so what is the best option?

Get an international drivers licence and drive with that?

or apply for a Californian drivers licence..... however what does that involve? does it involve taking a US driving test over their?

any information is greatly appreciated

Paul

Paul,

Your best bet is to look at the California BMV web site and find out what they require.... all states are different! Also have your fiancee call her insurance company they will tell her what they require for you to be put on her insurance.

Here is some info I found on www.dmv.ca.gov:

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)

Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

Give a thumb print

Have your picture taken

Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

Verify your birth date and legal presence

Provide your true full name

Pay the application fee

Pass a vision exam

Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.(Sample Test)

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing DMV will not be administering written or audio exams after 4:30 p.m.

You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.

To take your driving test, you will need to:

Call a DMV office to set up an appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an appointment. Call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, to make a driving test appointment.)

Provide proof of financial responsibility

California Insurance Requirements

You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered under an application for an original or renewal driver license.

After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence document than the one you are currently using, you will also need to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, adoption or name change document that shows your current name.

Edited March 11, 2006 by Patricia_and_andy

[jilanik 0]

It's only the illegals that will be affected and if you break one law in being here, what makes them think they won't drive without insurance even with a license.

In many places the police are already confiscating and impounding the vehicles of drivers that insist on driving without insurance (and licenses). Good for them! Of course there are illegal immigrant advocates that protest that this is unfair and disproportionately impacts illegal immigrants. So what? Driving is a priviledge and not a right. They enter the country illegally, work illegally, and often drive illegally without insurance. Does anybody see a pattern here?

My wife and stepdaughter immigrated to America legally and we obtained all of the necessary documents to work legally and to get their driver's licenses. And YES, they do have auto liability insurance.

Why is it that the people that most complain about the laws, rules, and regulations are the ones that don't want to abide by them?

If some of the State laws are making it more difficult for the legal immigrants it is because illegal immigration has become such a rampant problem that these measures have become necessary. Are you listening Mr. President and Congress?

I agree with you as well. The pro-immigraition agenda needs to stop. People want to come here, good' but come here legally.

[Satisfaction 1]

Tests (driving and written) and requirements (identification) vary from State to State. If I'm not mistaken, NY and NJ DMV both request a green card - or evidence of legal even if temporary immigration status - to issue a driver license (it was like that last year when I renewed mine anyway). On the other hand, some States i.e. California and Nevada have a much more relax policy, which gives driving privileges to even the undocumented: this however has changed recently, I've heard? Does someone knows?

Interestingly enough, a driver license issued by one State can be used in all States nationwide.

[jilanik 0]

Tests (driving and written) and requirements (identification) vary from State to State. If I'm not mistaken, NY and NJ DMV both request a green card - or evidence of legal even if temporary immigration status - to issue a driver license (it was like that last year when I renewed mine anyway). On the other hand, some States i.e. California and Nevada have a much more relax policy, which gives driving privileges to even the undocumented: this however has changed recently, I've heard? Does someone knows?

Interestingly enough, a driver license issued by one State can be used in all States nationwide.

You are not correct in stating that Nevada has a relaxed policy. I am a LPR and I had to show my original LPR card before I was issured a driver's licence. The driver's licence instead of being 5 years, is only till my temp LPR status expires. So Nevada does have some serious background checking, which I support.

[desert_fox 32]

Its not just Indiana. The Federal govt has imposed on all states the requirement by way of the REAL ID Act passed last year and signed by Bush. Any state drivers license that is issued and not in compliance with the Real ID Act, cannot be used for any Federal purpose, such as ID to board an aircraft, enter a Federal facility, receive any kind of federal benefit, etc.

Every state is now full of illegals driving around without a drivers license. I know some states are kicking around an idea of issuing drivers license to be used for the sole purpose of driving and cannot be used as any form of identification.

[internetkafe 0]

License for the sole purpose of driving is a good idea. Better than preventing people who can not get that real ID from driving legally. But requiring EAD for getting a drivers license is absurd.