Pennsylvania Lawmaker Wants “Undocumented Immigrants” to Have Driver Licenses

Could Pennsylvania become the next state to allow illegal or undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license?

A State Representative from Philadelphia County wants to make it so. On Friday, State Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-197) introduced a co-sponsorship memorandum that would allow illegal immigrants or undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain a Pennsylvania driver license.

“In today’s fast-paced world, a driver’s license is essential to earn a living, travel safely, and live a dignified existence,” Burgos’ memo reads. “Unfortunately, countless undocumented persons are unable to apply for a driver’s license in Pennsylvania because they do not have the required Social Security Number. As a result, they contribute to our economy without the equal protections and basic rights that the rest of us enjoy.”

Pennsylvania May Allow Driver Licenses to “Undocumented Immigrants”

If and when Burgos does introduce this legislation and it were to pass, illegal immigrants can get a Pennsylvania driver’s license using a federal Taxpayer Identification Number or a combination of documents that proves they have a permanent address in the commonwealth and confirms their date of birth.

Burgos says if these individuals can get a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, they’ll be more likely to report motor vehicle incidents and cooperate with law enforcement at accidents.

“It is time for a change in the way we issue driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania,” Burgos’ memo states.

Don’t dismiss this as a never-going-to-happen piece of legislation. Burgos already has some bi-partisan support. Republican State Reps., Johnathan Hershey and Christopher Quinn have signed on to this co-sponsorship memo, joining Democrats Christopher Rabb, Joseph Hohenstein, and Sara Innamorato.

States Allowing a Driver License for “Undocumented Immigrants”

There are currently 15 states which allow illegal immigrants to obtain a driver license:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawai’i
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• New York
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

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Should “undocumented immigrants” in Pennsylvania be allowed to get a driver’s license? Take our quick survey question and we’ll report on the results at a later date.

Photo: License purchased via Depositphotos

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