Drivers Licenses and Social Security Numbers for Illegal Immigrants
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 Bills that would have given
illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain
driving licenses have been shut down throughout the years. In September 2003
Governor Gray Davis of California signed a bill that would have given illegal
immigrants the chance to obtain a California drivers license. Many Hispanics
applauded Governor Davis for signing the bill, because they believed that this
would make California drivers safer altogether. The supporters argued that there
were many illegal immigrants driving without a license. By giving illegal
immigrants the opportunity to obtain a license, supporters believed that many
would pursue that option. In order to receive the driving license, the
illegal
immigrants like any other citizen or resident would have to pass a driving test.
In addition to having the driver’s license, the illegal immigrants would be
required to be insured since car insurance is mandatory for everyone that drives
in the state of California. Insurance companies will only insure individuals
with a driver’s license. Another added benefit would be that the black market
for driving licenses would significantly fall. Those against the bill that would
grant illegal immigrants driving licenses argued that this would be a way of
rewarding illegal immigrants and even encourage more illegal immigrants to
cross
the U.S.-Mexico border. The driver’s license could also be used for
identification purposes which may also lead to more terrorists entering the U.S.
and committing terrorist acts. Later that year Governor Davis was recalled and
when Governor Schwarzenegger came into office he was quick to repeal the bill
signed by Davis.
Driving is seen as a privilege for those who are law-abiding citizens and
noncitizens. After 9/11, the federal government has added extra security
measures when obtaining a state identification card, a
driver’s license and/or
social security numbers among other legal documents. A new federal law was
introduced that made it a requirement to show proof of residency status and
identity to obtain a state driver’s license. As of May 2008, driving
licenses
issued by the states that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted as
legal identification to gain entry into a federal building or to board an
airplane in the U.S. An example of a state with numerous requirements that must
be satisfied in order to obtain a driver’s license is
California. The
requirements include: (1) a fee, (2) proof of social security number (SSN), (3)
proof of true full name, (4) verification of birth date and proof of legal
presence, (5) limited term legal presence, (6) vision exam and (7) the signature
of the parent or guardian in the case of minors. Requirements for
driver’s
license may vary from state to state, so it is recommended to check out the
department of motor vehicles (DMV) website. For many who oppose giving driver’s
license or social security numbers to illegal immigrants see such measure as an
issue of national security. It also gives them an opportunity to obtain a
document used for identification purposes. Some government officials have
suggested that “driving only” documents be issued that are easily differentiated
from driving licenses. In addition, they have proposed that the “driving only”
document not be made a legal identification document for those who cannot prove
their legality.
The requirements are strict not only to obtain a driver’s license but to obtain
a social security number as well. The Social Security Administration issues
three different types of social security cards. The first type is given to U.S.
citizens and immigrants lawfully residing in the United States and includes name and
social security number. The second type is granted to individuals who are only
authorized to work with DHS authorization on a temporary basis and this card
will specifically state “valid for work only with DHS authorization.” The final
card is issued to foreigners with non-work purposes and states “not valid for
employment.” The requirements to obtain a social security number for work
purposes are that the applicant must be either a citizen of the United States or
a permanent U.S. resident (Green Card holder). Immigrants must be able to show that they are authorized to
live and work in the United States. Those with work authorization include
refugees, asylums, officials from foreign governments, NATO personnel and
representatives of international organizations. The list is extensive so check
with the Social Security Administration to get the most recent updates. In
addition, the applicant must show proof of age and identity. Documentation that
can be used to prove age and identity include passports,
birth certificates, hospital records,
driving license, marriage records, and documentation from the USCIS which used
to be known as the INS or Immigration and Naturalization Service. A similar
process must be undergone to obtain a non-work social security number. The key
to obtaining driving licenses and social security numbers for an immigrant is to
be lawfully residing in the United States. However, new legislation like the
immigration bill that has been recently proposed may introduce changes that may
grant more opportunities to immigrants.
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