North Carolina may be the next state to approve driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Last week, members of a legislative panel approved a plan that would allow undocumented immigrants to receive a restricted driver’s license if they pass a background check and meet various requirements. For lawmakers who support, the initiative offers police officers help in enforcing local laws when interacting with undocumented immigrants. Currently, there are local charities looking to issue, or already do issue identification cards. In order to serve as an alternate to these identification cards, this plan was proposed. “There is a need for identification, but we can’t have municipalities or faith-based organizations creating their own form of ID,” Rep. Harry Warren (R-NC).

Of course, individuals who oppose a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants find this initiative to be troublesome since it offers immigrants a form of “validation.” However, the plan does have provisions in place to improve security in the state. For example, the legislation would make it illegal to possess false documents. But, there are anti-immigration advocates who say this is not sufficient. Lawmakers say this bill is not about immigration reform. “This bill has nothing to do with immigration, immigration law or immigration reform,” Rep. Warren said in an emailed statement to the Daily Tar Heel. “It makes no suggestions or statements in regard to immigration, immigration law or immigration reform. For immigration advocates, it is a step in the right direction.

But, there are concerns that this bill would only allow for an exclusive number of people to even receive a license because of the various stipulations that serve as requirements. Pokemon Light Platinum Gba English Torrent on this page. The punitive elements of the bill also raise reason for concern. The bill also carries elements that would apply to all citizens in North Carolina.

Issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. Nevada, north carolina. States that currently grant driving privileges to undocumented immigrants.

For example, it makes it a felony to have, make, or sell false documents, and a misdemeanor for people under 21 to attempt to buy alcohol or people under 18 to attempt to buy cigarettes. This bill is one of two immigration-related proposals that was debated during this year’s legislative session in North Carolina. The other bill would require more businesses in North Carolina to use E-Verify, which is a federal electronic system that checks prospective workers’ legal eligibility to work. The two bills have conflicting messages, leaving undocumented immigrants in North Carolina cautiously optimistic.