OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Lawmakers are moving forward with bills that would impose stricter restrictions on obtaining a driver’s license without proof of legal residency.
Washington is one of two states in the country that don’t ask for proof of legal residency when obtaining a driver’s license, essentially allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses.
This year half a dozen bills have been introduced to change that. On Thursday, lawmakers held a hearing on one of the bills — the first time this has happened in years.
Proponents of the bills say that the new law would stop license fraud. Supporters also say that it would stop illegal immigrants from coming to Washington to get a license.
But immigrant advocates say that by precluding illegal immigrants from can lead to less people insured on the roads.
