Should NH allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers’ licenses?

Currently, 12 states plus the District of Columbia allow illegal immigrants to acquire drivers’ licenses or alternative driver authorization cards if they can provide documentation such as a foreign birth certificate, passport, or consular card and evidence that they currently reside in the state.

New Hampshire does not currently issue driving privileges to undocumented immigrants.

Supporters of the move argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to get drivers’ licenses will encourage them to legally register their vehicles and acquire car insurance, arguing that many will simply drive without a license or registration if they cannot obtain one legally. They also note that immigrants would have to pass road safety tests to acquire a license, potentially making them safer drivers.

Opponents counter that driving is a privilege that should not be granted to those who have broken the law by entering or remaining in the United States illegally. They also raise concerns that the licenses could potentially be used to help unlawful immigrants work or apply for state aid under false pretenses.

When this question was originally discussed in August, 96% respondents giving a 'yes or no' answer were against giving undocumented immigrants drivers' licenses. Read the Citizen Voices report. 

Read the original Facebook discussion of this question.