SALON

Young illegal immigrants may get driver’s licenses

Topics: From the Wires,

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — The new immigration policy that temporarily defers deportation and grants work permits to people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children has reignited the long-running debate over whether illegal immigrants should have access to driver’s licenses.

Some states have announced that they will grant driving privileges to those approved for the program. Other states have vowed to deny them licenses.

For eligible young people, getting a license could spell a life-changing moment. In California, where the automobile is king and car-culture dominates, the change could be most profound.

An estimated million young illegal immigrants nationwide could be eligible, including 450,000 in California.

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