Can Undocumented Immigrants Get a State ID?
Providing immigrants with government-recognized identification cards has become a symbol of inclusion in many communities. Denying immigrants access to these cards can hinder their ability to interact with their local police and other community members.
In response, some states have enacted laws that allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses or limited IDs. These state-sponsored schemes, known as Green Light Laws, can make it easier for immigrants to legally drive and encourage them to get automobile insurance.
Delaware
If you are an undocumented immigrant and you live in the state of Delaware, you can get a state id. However, you should note that this does not change your immigration status, and if you are caught driving while illegally, you could face deportation.
The state of Delaware is located in the eastern United States and is known for its low taxes and business-friendly environment. This has made it a popular choice for many large companies, such as Google, Apple, and Walmart.
As a result, the state has a relatively high per capita income. In addition, it has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. For example, it is one of only five states that do not collect sales tax.
Despite this, it has experienced some industrial decline in the 21st century. For instance, the agriculture industry has faced some challenges because of climate change.
In recent years, however, the state has worked to improve its image and become more welcoming to immigrants. Several initiatives have been implemented, including the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Although these measures are not comprehensive, they have helped to improve the lives of people in the state and to promote highway safety. For example, since the program was launched in 2016, the number of serious traffic injuries in the state has dropped significantly.
A significant portion of the population in Delaware is made up of Hispanics. This includes both White Hispanics and Black Hispanics.
The influx of immigrants from Mexico has been particularly prominent in the state, with some estimates estimating that up to 26,000 undocumented immigrants live in Delaware. Thankfully, the state passed a law in 2015 that allows these individuals to obtain a driver’s privilege card.
According to New American Economy, these cards were first issued in 2016 and have helped to ease the fear of deportation for thousands of people. The Latin American Community Center, a nonprofit that works to help undocumented immigrants in the state, helped lobby for this legislation.
The organization also designated two financial coaches to help undocumented immigrants navigate the application process. This helps to ensure that more immigrants will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to get the cards.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, undocumented immigrants are able to obtain state identification documents like driver licenses and ID cards. This is important because it allows them to access services and benefits offered by the state without worrying about being deported.
In addition, state ID cards can be used to access a wide range of activities and places in Hawaii including kama’iana discounts, libraries, public transportation and more. This makes it more convenient for residents to travel and go to work in the state.
It is also helpful for those traveling to Hawaii for medical reasons because it is easier for them to prove that they are staying in the U.S. Instead of relying on a doctor’s note, they can use their state ID card to access care.
A state ID card is an official, legally verified form of identification that allows its holder to prove their identity and citizenship. It is available to those who are 10 years of age or older, and it can be used for all of the same purposes as a driver’s license.
Getting a state ID in Hawaii is simple and easy. You can apply for one online, or you can visit a participating DMV office in person and get one.
To apply for a new or renew your state ID, you must present any two of the following documents: The applicant’s valid passport, U.S. birth certificate, or a document from the State of Hawaii that shows the applicant’s name and Hawaii address.
The documents must be accompanied by the appropriate fees. For additional information, contact the Vehicle Registration and Licensing office in your county or the city in which you live.
You may also transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to a Hawaii one if it hasn’t expired yet. If your out-of-state license has already expired, then you must apply for a new Hawaii one.
Applicants who are eighty-years of age or older, have physical or intellectual disabilities or are homebound may renew their state ID at a non-DMV location if they have a letter from a licensed primary care provider stating that their disability prevents them from traveling to a DMV office.
New York
New York’s Green Light law, also known as the Immigrant Driver License Act, allows undocumented immigrants above the age of 16 to apply for a state-issued driver’s license, which serves as photo identification. This makes NYS one of the few states that allows undocumented immigrants to access this type of ID.
To obtain a state ID, undocumented immigrants must provide proof of identity and residency in New York. They can prove their residency with a valid foreign passport, an unexpired identification document issued by a consulate or a New York state resident’s utility bill that shows the applicant’s name and address.
Many of these immigrants are a recent arrival to the United States, seeking asylum after fleeing violence in their home countries. They’re straining New York’s public shelter system and causing anxiety for officials like Mayor Bill de Blasio and city agencies that provide services to people with limited legal status.
For many of them, a state ID will help them get around and enroll in banking. For others, it will give them legal protection from law enforcement should they be arrested.
Getting a New York state ID is a relatively straightforward process, according to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It only takes about an hour and the cost is between $6.50 and $13 depending on the type of ID you’re looking for.
In addition to applying in person for a NY ID, undocumented immigrants can apply online through the DMV’s website. A DMV representative can help you complete the application and provide you with a list of documents to submit for verification.
The DMV will then send the information to a centralized, secure facility in Illinois for processing, which meets the federal government’s REAL ID requirements. Once fraud checks have been completed, a new ID is sent to the applicant’s mailing address.
While this is an exciting development for many immigrants, there are still concerns about how the law will be implemented. Some county clerks have been reluctant to issue a driver’s license, arguing that they don’t have the equipment or staff to properly verify the validity of the paperwork.
California
In California, immigrant populations are a key piece of the state’s economic fabric. According to the 2020 California 100 report, foreign-born residents make up a large percentage of the state’s population and pay an estimated $291 billion in state and federal taxes.
The state’s immigrant population is diverse, with over 11 million foreign-born individuals calling California home. Among them, undocumented immigrants make up about 9% of the state’s labor force, contributing to an estimated $4.5 billion in state and federal taxes each year.
One such worker is Carlos Morales, who came to California from Mexico in 2003 and has been living and working in the Central Valley for 15 years. He works in agribusiness as a harvester, and has feared the drought will leave him without work. He wants to help his family and community in any way he can, including providing them with a state ID that would allow them to access medical care, employment, and other services.
To get a state id, you must provide two documents to prove your identity and residency in California. These can be utility bills, medical records, bank statements, or other paperwork issued by a government office, landlord, lender, or a third-party organization. The address on the documents must match your actual residence address in California.
Since 2015, under AB 60, undocumented immigrants have been allowed to get driver’s licenses and instruction permits. This allowed them to drive legally and participate in a number of programs, including receiving public health insurance. But the law also excluded people who could not prove they had legal status, such as those with physical/health problems that prevented them from driving.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill Friday that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a state identification card, a move advocates say closes the gap in AB 60. It will now allow those who are not authorized drivers to apply for a noncommercial identification card, allowing them to open a bank account, access healthcare and secure housing, receive benefits, and more.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is expected to begin distributing IDs in the next few months. But it’s important to remember that a state id is not a replacement for a Social Security card. You should still change your name with the SSA before applying for a CA id.