The Trump administration’s determination to halt immigration at any costs is already well known.
Due to their proposals to ban undocumented migrants from obtaining a driver’s license, Florida and Alabama are currently in the center of the controversy.
As you are aware, many states require a driver’s license in order to work anywhere, including as a telephone operator.
Some states have chosen to do away with this requirement since they believe it to be ridiculous (maybe it’s time to acknowledge that it is).
Since a driver’s license, as previously stated, is the first step to employment, the mere act of refusing a license to foreign nationals in an irregular circumstance aims to stigmatize them as “non-citizens,” placing them on the periphery of society.
Everything that occurs here will be explained to you.
Debate over Florida
Including a prominent label that reads “non-citizen” on all state licenses and identification documents, even if the individual has legal residency or is in the country on a visa, is the simple yet contentious proposal that the state Senate is currently considering.
The concern has already been raised by groups such as the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
They caution that, regrettably, this action may result in an increase in discriminatory incidents, arbitrary police searches, and challenges obtaining essential services.
Furthermore, thousands of people may simply avoid renewing their licenses out of fear as a result of it. They are a risk on the roadways because they will drive despite not having the necessary documentation or insurance.
Alabama follows closely behind
For its part, Alabama is going in the same direction. According to federal criteria, licenses from other states that aren’t associated with a recognized immigrant status would be deemed invalid under Bill SB55.
People who live out of state but must drive there would no longer be eligible for any kind of exemption.
It goes without saying that these obstacles primarily result in increased exclusion for these individuals since, in addition to making daily life more difficult, they will further isolate individuals and entire communities where, in most cases, everything depends on having a car, whether it be for school, the doctor, or the store.
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The opposing viewpoint
Fortunately, state-by-state variations exist in driver’s license rules and requirements.
The National Immigration Law Center states that regardless of immigration status, driver’s licenses are available in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Illinois, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont, allowing everyone to at least be self-sufficient.
State-to-state disparity
Some states, such as California, New York, or Colorado, have chosen to do something quite different, permitting any person to receive a license regardless of immigration status, while Florida and Alabama have tightened restrictions.
Read Also: Drivers Beware: $250 Fee Coming to This State Just in Time for Summer Travel
It’s about acknowledging a reality rather than relinquishing privileges. It is preferable that those who already reside and work there do so legally and with insurance.
As if that weren’t enough, REAL ID is on the way
Additionally, REAL ID is implemented as of today. According to this rule, all identification must be verified in order to enter federal buildings or fly within the nation.
Although it isn’t targeted at migrants directly, it makes things even more tedious for people who already struggle with paperwork processing.
An awkward question is raised by the recent proposals in Florida and Alabama: Are traffic laws being utilized as a means of exerting pressure on immigration?
Does Trump want this? We are discussing employees, families, and students, not criminals. Furthermore, history demonstrates that forcing individuals into institutions worsens safety rather than increases it.
