Tighter license rules hit illegal immigrants

(Updated 11 a.m. EDT, Friday, Aug. 24)  Even where it’s legal, it’s getting tougher for illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.

 

The handful of states that issue licenses to illegal immigrants are stepping up efforts to combat fraud and identity theft. That means stricter rules for ensuring immigrants live in-state and are who they say they are.

 

In the last year, North Carolina and Tennessee stopped issuing licenses to illegal immigrants altogether. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s motor vehicle agency enlisted the Mexican government to help the state check the identity of would-be drivers. Maine is working to start limiting licenses to in-state residents, after decades of resisting.

 

Only seven states – Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico,Oregon, Utah and Washington – allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses.

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=234828

[Posted by Maricela Gutierrez]