Some GOP states targeting driver's licenses issued to immigrants illegally in the US

Source: ABC News/AP

April 22, 2025, 12:06 AM


As drivers on U.S. highways cross from one state to another, they often are greeted by a large “Welcome to ....” sign. But not all drivers are welcome in every state. In Florida, motorists with special out-of-state driver's licenses issued to those in the U.S. illegally are not welcome to drive. Wyoming's governor enacted a comparable ban this year. And Tennessee's governor said he will sign similar legislation sent to his desk recently. The message, though not literally printed on metal, is clear: “The sign says, `Welcome to Tennessee, illegal immigrants are not welcome,’” Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth declared during debate.

As President Donald Trump cracks down on illegal immigration, Republican lawmakers in many states are pushing new laws targeting people lacking legal status to live in the U.S. The measures contrast with policies in 19 other states and Washington, D.C., which issue driver's licenses regardless of whether residents can prove their legal presence. The Justice Department is seeking to strike down one such law in New York, which shields its driver's license data from federal immigration authorities. States are taking drastically different approaches to licensing drivers even as the federal government attempts to standardize the process.

On May 7, the U.S. will start enforcing a law passed 20 years ago that sets national standards for state driver's licenses to be accepted as proof of identity for adults entering certain federal facilities or traveling on domestic commercial flights. Licenses compliant with the REAL ID Act are marked with a star and require applicants to provide a Social Security number and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

But states remain free to issue driver's licenses to residents who don't provide documentation for a REAL ID, so long as they meet other state requirements such as passing a vision exam or a driving laws test. In most states that issue licenses to people illegally in the U.S., there is no way currently to know from looking at the license whether the person is unlawfully present or simply chose not to apply for a REAL ID. But at least some states do make a distinction. Connecticut and Delaware place special markings on driver's licenses issued to immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/gop-states-targeting-drivers-licenses-issued-immigrants-illegally-121037850