The bill that would grant temporary driver licenses to the undocumented in Illinois has taken a step forward today by moving through the transportation committee. SB957 now needs a vote on the floor of the Illinois General Assembly. If it passes there, it would go to the governor for final approval.
Remember that passage of the bill improves safety for everyone. The Chicago Tribute states, that:
"The proposal would allow an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants in Illinois to get three-year renewable license to drive a vehicle. They could not officially be used for other identification purposes, such as for boarding a plane, buying a gun or voting.To become eligible, a person would have to live within Illinois for at least a year, a provision that would require applicants to provide a copy of a lease, utility bills and the like."
Actions
-Join in contacting your representatives to ask them to vote YES on SB957. To easily contact your representative, see this link to and enter your zip code at the bottom of the page.
-Easily sign this petition asking the leader of the General Assembly to move SB957 to a floor vote.
-Join in the organizing:
The CU Immigration Forum agreed last year that we would work towards the improvement of immigrants' lives by helping get driver licenses. We joined the statewide coalition that organized to get sponsors for a bill and then for its passage. The Highway Safety Coalition http://highwaysafetycoalition.org/ welcomes all kinds of organizations and individuals so make sure to Like their page.
Hospitals, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, churches agree that this inclusion of safe drivers is good for all.
The leadership of local churches have also joined in this effort through the Allies of Faith (they meet on the first Tuesdays of the month at 9 AM. For more information on how congregations can get involved contact Claire at cszoke@cuimmigrationforum.org.
