Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly have passed bills allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
HB 1211 and SB 34 both passed their respective chambers as Democrats hurried to meet the Tuesday “crossover” deadline, after which legislation could not be considered by the other chamber.
The Senate version of the bill passed by a margin of 22-18 and the House version by a margin of 57-42.
Democrats took full control of the state legislature in November 2019, and Democrat Ralph Northam currently holds the governorship.
Illegal immigrants are required by the Senate bill to provide proof of a filed income tax return, and the driver’s license will contain language stating that it is not a valid ID for voting. The House bill’s language, however, is broader and mandates that the IDs serve as conventional licenses.
“It’s very, very important for me – this moment,” said Ingrid Vaca, an immigrant from Bolivia. The Alexandria resident teared up as she described the fear of deportation while driving to and from work.
“I think we need to be very careful with this,” Republican Del. Terry L. Austin said last week. “This could misrepresent an individual’s identity and could compromise the safety in the United States.”
It is estimated that at least 300,000 people living in Virginia will benefit from the law. The House and Senate will next debate the differences between the bills.
