By: Marjorie Otto

Legislators in Minnesota are working on a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

The measure would make Minnesota the fifth state to allow undocumented immigrants to receive driver’s licenses.

The proposal, authored by Rep. Karen Clark, DFL-Minneapolis, would change Minnesota law to allow people to apply for a driver’s license with a government-issued identification card from another country.

Hopeful drivers would have to show identification from their home country and a sign a form acknowledging they live at a permanent address they’ve provided.

Statutes to allow licenses for undocumented licenses in other states have faced heavy criticism. Opponents say the system has a high potential for fraud and have tried to repeal the laws in some states, like New Mexico.

Illinois passed a similar law in January and Maryland is in the process of debating one. New Mexico and Washington state issues licenses while Utah only allow permits.

While some states allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses, Arizona bans undocumented immigrants from getting driver’s licenses.

With the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA), anyone who is deferred and receives permission to work and a Social Security number may apply for a driver license, depending on a state’s specific laws.

Check Wednesday's Daily for the full story.