Now Iowa driver’s licenses for immigrants

United States, 24th January: Another US state Iowa has announced its policy to offer driver’s licenses to young immigrants.

As per the information, those getting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals by the US government will now be eligible to get Iowa driver’s licenses.

Driver’s licenses for Iowa immigrants—The new guidelines by the USCIS(US Citizenship and Immigration Services) as well as US DHS(Department of Homeland Security) will lead to issuance of non-operator ID(identity) cards or driver’s licenses to those who have come to the US as children of undocumented aliens and currently living in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Transportation will begin the process of granting driver’s licenses to foreigners given authority to live in the US under the policy of Obama administration on undocumented immigrants.

As per Director of DOT(Department of Transportation), Iowa, Paul Trombino III, the changed definition means that now Iowa rules allow issuing driver’s license as well as non-operator ID cards to undocumented immigrants in Iowa.

The DOT had stated until 23rd January this year that it was not allowed to issue licenses to young undocumented aliens having temporary US status for living and working in Iowa as per the Obama policy.

Under rules of Iowa, a non-operator card or a driver’s license is to be issued to anyone foreigner present in the US legally. However, due to new guidelines, immigrants getting DACA(Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) status are considered to be living in the US lawfully since they are authorized by the US DHS for staying in the US.

New rules a great news for undocumented immigrants in Iowa--The change has led to opening the door for the DOT to begin the process of issuing non-operator ID cards and licenses to undocumented immigrants’ children brought into the US before attaining 17 years of age.

The new rules have been announced by the US last Friday and are a welcoming relief for a large number of young immigrants wanting to get Iowa driver’s licenses (or a non-operator ID card).

As per Rita Bettis, attorney of American Civil Liberties Union(ACLU), Iowa, the change has thrilled the immigrants. Moreover, the step shows that this US state is ready to ensure the public safety of immigrants as well as duly acknowledging the vital contributions made by these young aliens towards our communities, she affirmed.