Licenses and the DMV

Driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants have always been a critical issue for the state of California.

For years, pro-immigrant leaders and organizations have raised the issue in legislative debate, but the climate surrounding national security always caused its approval to stagnate in the end.

Finally, the state’s legislative bodies, along with Governor Jerry Brown, managed to get it approved. It will take effect in January 2015.

In recent days, news came to light of the rejection by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the design for the licenses submitted by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This caused great confusion, as many feared that the federal government’s decisions would cancel out years of struggle.

The role played by the DMV and the state authorities in this regard has been commendable.

The DMV not only initially confirmed that it would continue the organizational process to issue licenses, but also released the basic guidelines that applicants will have to meet to obtain their driver’s license.

With these measures, the DMV reaffirms its commitment to Californians. Supporters of these licenses have always argued that road safety will be better if drivers are duly registered and demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills to driver a motor vehicle. We are moving in that direction.

We have to support this process. It is noteworthy that the requirements released are so broad that there will be no excuse for undocumented immigrants not to obtain this license.

This is a great achievement for the pro-immigrant movement that can serve as a step toward overcoming other challenges.