Forwarded from the:
ILLINOIS COALITION FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS
36 S. Wabash, suite 1425 · Chicago, IL 60603 · 312.332.7360 voice · 312.332.7044 fax · www.icirr.org
ICIRR Update
Driver's Licenses Issue Still Alive in Illinois Despite REAL IDDriver's Licenses for Undocumented Still Possible Under REAL ID
The REAL ID bill, now pending before Congress, includes extensive provisions regarding driver's licenses. Among these provisions is a section that enables states to issue driver's licenses to the undocumented. Under REAL ID, states could issue such licenses so long as they clearly state that they are not valid for federal identification or official purposes, and use some color or design to distinguish them from other licenses. This means that the driver's license issue in Illinois is still alive, and that REAL ID would not interfere if the state were to issue licenses to the undocumented. Indeed, REAL ID undercuts the argument that issuing licenses to the undocumented would undercut our national security, since the supporters of REAL ID intended the legislation to bolster national security. REAL ID would require states to verify the immigration status of anyone applying for a driver's license or state ID card. Under REAL ID, any licenses or IDs that do not conform to this and other requirements will be invalid for identification purposes (including entering federal buildings and boarding airplanes). The US House and Senate have agreed to include the REAL ID in the Iraq emergency spending bill (HR 1268). The House approved the spending bill by a 368-68 vote; the Senate is scheduled to vote this Tuesday, and is expected to also approve the bill. President Bush is then expected to sign the bill into law. A more detailed summary of REAL ID will follow later this week.
***TAKE ACTION!***
ICIRR and our allies will continue to work on legislation in Illinois to enable undocumented immigrants to gain access to driver's licenses.
Please JOIN US IN SPRINGFIELD THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, for our state lobby day to advocate for driver's licenses for the undocumented, as well as for full state funding for immigrant services and safe charities. For more information, please call Mehrdad Azemun at ICIRR, 312 332-7360 x14, or email him at mazemun@icirr.org. Or visit our website, www.icirr.org. Thanks
| 
