From DREAMer to Driver

"The new immigration policy has brought to the forefront the long-running and bitter debate over whether [unauthorized] immigrants should have access to driver's licenses.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that each state could determine whether to issue licenses or extend other benefits to young immigrants who qualify for the deferred status.  Some states, such as Oregon and Georgia, have announced that they will grant driving privileges to those eligible for the new program.  Others, such as Arizona and Mississippi, have vowed to deny them.  California legislators this month approved a bill that would allow an estimated 450,000 eligible young immigrants in the state to use the federal work permits at the Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of lawful presence in the country.  The bill is now headed to the governor." - Gosia Wozniacka, Associated Press, Sept. 15, 2012.