Illinois Begins to Deliver Driving Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants. Mexican Alejandro Almanza First to Get One

The government of Illinois began delivering temporary driving licenses for undocumented immigrants, which will allow them to drive  within the state.

Looking to increase security on Illinois' highways, the state's government began to deliver driving licenses last Tuesday, December 3 in Chicago, Springfield and Bloomington, according to news agency EFE.

To get a license, an important requisite is that every immigrant present themselves at state offices and is able to prove they've been living in the state for at least a year, along with bringing a photo ID and make a payment of $30.

An eye exam and various driving tests are mandatory for every person requesting a license.

EFE shared that the first immigrant to get his license was Mexican Alejandro Almanza, who has lived illegally in the United States for over 13 years, and he said that he was very nervous when he had to meet all the requerements.

Each driving license will be delivered to the domicile of the person requesting a license and Almanza explained that his will arrive at this home in about two or three weeks after he passed the eye exam, the driving tests, and a written exam.

Throughout the state, authorities processed the requests of immigrants interested in getting a license. Ernersto Martíinez, spokesperson for the government, said that this was a historic day for the Illinois community since it guaranteed more safety on highways.

Although at first authorities expected almost 100,000 immigrants to apply for a license, they expect to provide orientation for almost 300,000 immigrants, of which 250,000 are Mexican.

The spokesperson said that they have 100,000 temporary licenses, but the amount could be doubled if demand continues to grow.

During November, the Attorney General of Illinois, Lisa Madiga, warned about cons in driving schools that offer false services to immigrants to carry out the license request process for almost a thousand dollars, but said that the only way to get a license is by personally going to government offices and that payment is only $30.