Obtaining a driver’s license would be made easier for newly arrived undocumented immigrants in Colorado if the SB24-182 bill is passed in the Senate in the coming days. Under the current Community and Road Safety Act of Colorado 2013, driver’s licenses are already issued to individuals without a solid immigration status.
The proposed bill aims to simplify the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license for immigrants by eliminating various prerequisites currently in place. This move is intended to streamline the process and make it more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
According to the current regulations, immigrants must have lived in the state for at least two years and provide proof of tax returns, a Social Security number, and other identifying documents. However, with the potential passage of the SB24-182 bill, these requirements would be waived, making it easier for immigrants to apply for a driver’s license.
The bill has garnered both supporters and opponents, with concerns raised about potential identity fraud and the issuance of false documents in the applicants’ home countries. Efforts are being made to address these issues, including working with immigration lawyers to verify identities during the application process.
While the bill still needs to pass through the Senate Appropriations Committee and receive approval from the Governor of Colorado, it represents a step towards providing a new benefit to immigrants in the state. By simplifying the documentation requirements and streamlining the application process, the bill aims to make it easier for immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and integrate more fully into their communities.
