We already know that the Trump administration wants to stop immigration at all costs. Now, two states, Florida and Alabama, are in the spotlight of the debate because they have launched a proposal to prohibit undocumented migrants from being able to access a driver’s license. As you know, many states require a driver’s license to work anywhere (yes, even as a telephone operator), and other states have decided to eliminate that requirement because they find it absurd (maybe it’s time to accept that it really is). The simple act of denying a license to foreign citizens in an irregular situation seeks to label them as “non-citizens”, leaving them on the margins of society because, as we said before, the driver’s license is the first door to getting a job. We’ll tell you everything that’s happening below.
Florida in debate
The state Senate is debating bill SB1258, which proposes something as simple and as problematic as this: including on all state licenses and IDs a visible label that says “non-citizen,” even if the person has legal residency or is in the country on a visa.
Organizations like the Florida Immigrant Coalition have already raised the alarm. They warn that this measure, unfortunately, could translate into more cases of discrimination, unjustified police checks, and difficulties accessing basic services. And, above all, it could lead thousands of people to simply stop renewing their licenses out of fear. They will drive anyway, but without papers or insurance, which also makes them a risk on the roads.
Alabama isn’t far behind
Alabama, for its part, is following the same path. Bill SB55 proposes invalidating licenses from other states if they’re not tied to a legal immigration status according to federal standards. It would also eliminate any type of exemption for people who live out of state but need to drive there.
Of course, these barriers translate mainly into more exclusion for these people, since not only do they make daily life harder, but they will also isolate people and entire communities even more where, most of the time, everything—from going to the store, to the doctor, to school, depends on having a car or not.
The other side of the coin
Driver’s license laws and regulations, fortunately, vary by state. According to the National Immigration Law Center, 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 offer driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status, making it so that everyone can at least be self-sufficient.
Gap between states
While Florida and Alabama tighten restrictions, others like California, New York, or Colorado have opted for something completely different: allowing any resident to obtain a license, regardless of immigration status. It’s not about giving away privileges, but about recognizing a reality. If people already live and work there, better that they do so with papers and insured.
And if that weren’t enough: here comes REAL ID
Starting today, in addition, REAL ID goes into effect. This regulation requires all IDs to be certified in order to fly within the country or enter federal buildings. It’s not specifically aimed at migrants, but it adds another layer of bureaucratic difficulty for those who already have trouble processing documentation.
The new proposals in Florida and Alabama bring an uncomfortable question to the table: Is traffic law being used as a tool for immigration pressure? Is this what Trump wants? We’re not talking about criminals, but about workers, families, and students. And history shows that pushing people into irregularity doesn’t improve safety… it makes it worse.