VIRGINIA- A new year means new driving privileges for undocumented immigrants in Virginia. The 'License for All' bill went into effect Friday, Jan. 1.
It's a privilege known to many Americans as early as their 16th birthdays: the ability to legally drive after getting a driver's license. But that privilege will now be extended to more than 300,000 undocumented immigrants in Virginia. It is a right that Rudy Gomez from Accomack County has been advocating for, for more than five years.
"I look at it for the safety of everyone. Knowing that everyone that's out there driving has a driver's license knows the skills to or has the skills the be driving," said Gomez.
Gov. Ralph Northam signed the bill into law last July.
State Republicans have been opposed to the law, arguing that it allows identity fraud. During a hearing in 2020, Del. Terry Austin said, "This license can be taken as the person is a citizen of the United States."
But under the law, the privilege card will not be considered a valid identification card, nor will it allow individuals to vote.
Those seeking a privilege card will have to schedule an appointment with the DMV which could take months now due to the pandemic.
A Spanish-language version of the state's driving manual is available online and at the DMV to better prepare non-English speakers for their driving tests.
Thousands of Virginians will have the opportunity to drive without fear, allowing them to do things as simple as driving to work.
"It's an opportunity for business owners to grow their business, women that have kids can now take their kids to school pick them off drop them off, to be able to commute by yourself instead of depending on someone else," added Gomez.
The law is already in place for undocumented immigrants living in Delaware and Maryland.
To view the full story in Spanish, click here.
