Gov. JB Pritzker Signs Legislation Allowing Undocumented Immigrants to Obtain an Illinois Driver’s License, Says it “Eliminates Barriers”

By Illinois Review

Undocumented immigrants will now be able to obtain an Illinois Driver’s License, after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation into law eliminating the “Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License,” paving the way for “non-residents” to use their driver’s license as an official form of identification.

“This legislation is a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face,” said Pritzker through a statement. “We’re ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all.”

In February, Democratic Illinois State Sen. Celina Villanueva – a Senate sponsor of the bill just signed by Pritzker, introduced legislation to allow “non-citizens” to register to vote in Illinois school board elections. The legislation states,

“The State Board of Education shall create a voter registration affidavit that shall be the exclusive means by which a noncitizen of the United States may register to vote in school board elections.”

The legislation goes on to cite Article III Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution that school board races are considered “non-state elections” and that illegal aliens could vote in school board races because there is not a specific citizenship requirement for voting in such an election.

In September, Villanueva was a supporter of bussing of illegal immigrants to Chicago, a sanctuary city, from Texas, issuing a statement,

“I am thankful to live and work in a state that welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants who are protected by good policy. We will continue to work diligently to provide a safe space and necessary resources for those who have dealt with much uncertainty. Chicago is – and will continue to be – a welcoming safe haven to any person who needs such help.”

In the past, Villanueva has sponsored legislation that supports illegal aliens, including a bill that “bans state and local law enforcement officers from inquiring about anyone’s citizenship or immigration status or birthplace.”

The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2024.