NC Lawmakers Consider Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

A proposal for a state law that would grant driving privileges to immigrants living in NC illegally made it through a NC House judiciary committee on April 15, 2015.

Out of the estimated 325,000 people living illegally in North Carolina, approximately 90,000 to 110,000 are of driving age. Under the proposal, immigrants may apply for a restricted driver's permit. The applicant must consent to a criminal background check, pass a written and road test conducted by the DMV. The applicant must also agree to be fingerprinted and provide information on their legal status. That information could not be used to seek deportation or be released from confidential files, unless required by the law.

This driver's license/ ID would be valid for one year and could not be used to vote, board a plane, obtain public assistance or enter a federal building.

Supporters of the bill say it would lead to safer roads and ensure that all drivers had insurance. Critics see this measure as another step toward encouraging immigrants to illegally settling in North Carolina.  

The 'Highway Safety/ Citizens Protection Act' still needs to be reviewed by other committees, finance among them, before it go up for vote before the House.