Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill into law Sunday allowing illegal immigrants to get special driver's licenses, but it will be at least another 10 months before they'll start being issued.
The Illinois secretary of state's office estimates it'll need that much time to finalize rules and train employees about who qualifies and what paperwork can be accepted.
The lag time did little to dampen the mood of hundreds who braved icy weather to watch the ceremonial bill signing on Chicago's Southwest Side. The fanfare at Instituto del Progreso Latino included performances by a mariachi band and a roster of speakers 15 dignitaries deep. Supporters said the measure will make it easier for undocumented immigrants to get insurance.
"This bill is not just about driver's licenses, it's about equality for all," said sponsoring Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago.
Called temporary visitor driver's licenses, the permits will vary from traditional licenses several ways. Most noticeably, they will be visually different, with a blue background as opposed to red one.
The cards will be marked "not valid for identification" and cannot be used for things like boarding airplanes, voting or purchasing a gun. The licenses will only be valid for three years instead of four years, like traditional licenses. After three years, the individual would have to go through the process again.
To qualify for a license, an applicant must prove they have lived in Illinois for a least a year and show that they are ineligible for a Social Security card. Documents that will be accepted include a copy of a lease, utility bills and a valid passport or consular identification card.
Drivers must also pass vision, written and road tests and pay a $30 fee. In order for the license to remain valid, a driver also will be required to get insurance. If a person with a temporary visitor's license is caught driving without insurance, they will be ticketed for both driving without insurance as well as driving without a license.
People who want to apply for the licenses must first make an appointment at one of eight designated facilities across the state. Licenses will not be issued on the spot but only after the state can verify application information and perform a facial recognition search against other databases.
Critics have said they fear fraud and abuse, with some lawmakers saying illegal immigrants should be fingerprinted in order to qualify. Immigrant rights organizations said that would deter participation among a population that is often distrustful of law enforcement and other government agencies.
Despite some opposition, Quinn and others praised the way in which Democrats and Republicans alike helped get the measure passed, saying people came before politics. "It was everybody in, and nobody left out," Quinn said, using one of his favorite lines.
Supporters say the next goal is winning comprehensive immigration reform at the national level.
"So goes Illinois, so goes the country," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at Sunday's event. "Let's take this day and build a better future by passing immigration reform."
mcgarcia@tribune.com
Twitter @moniquegarcia
Illegal immigrants can get Illinois driver's licenses in 10 months
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Illegal immigrants can get Illinois driver's licenses in 10 months
