Alabama lawmakers are looking to bar undocumented immigrants with out-of-state licenses from driving legally in Alabama.
Sponsor Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said the bill, SB108, is based on similar legislation passed in Florida; he said while only a couple of states issue such driver’s licenses to undocumented people – that number may grow. In total 19 states allow immigrants to receive a driver’s license if they do have documentation; that Alabama bill would void licenses in states that issue them to undocumented immigrants. Drivers pulled over, who have an invalid license, would be issued a citation under the bill.
Carlos Aleman, head of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama – said SB108 creates safety concerns – BECAUSE it will result in undocumented drivers driving without licenses; he also raised concerns about the bill, if passed – leading to racial profiling. Aleman said that he would like to see immigration policies in the United States focus on addressing root issues, including the need for a system to process claims for asylum seekers and a pathway for lawful entry.