A recent legislation that has been signed in to law has gained much support. The law means that many driver’s licenses could be invalidated in the state. Cooperation with other states may be at risk too as the new law has the potential to create conflict with federal enforcement as well. The controversy is further stirred up by the fact that the state seems to be taking immigration-related matters into its own hands and raising doubt on valid licenses that were issued by other states.
A look at the controversial “Driver’s Licenses-unauthorized” law
According to House Bill 0116, the “Driver’s licenses-unauthorized alien restrictions” law was passed in the state which is looking to tighten immigration enforcement rules. The law was surrounded by concerns from the state’s governor as it was based on invalidating driver’s licenses issued by other states to any undocumented immigrants.
Without the signiture of Governor Mark Gordon, the bill became law. The state has expressed that the reason behind such a measure was to take a stand against “illegal presence” in the country. The Governor, however, seems well aware that such a law could hinder the state’s ability to work together with other states. The law also seems to go against the agreement entitled, Non-Resident Violators Compact, which permits states to agree with each other’s traffic laws. Disregarding credentials issued by other states may cause officers to be in somewhat of a predicament.
The larger implications of House Bill 0116
As per the law, a penalty will be incurred by those who still drive with a license deemed invalid under the state’s law. Along with a hefty fine of $750, a misdemeanor charge or jail time for half a year is also on the cards. Enforcement of this law will be dependent on officer discretion.
The broader implication of embracing this law is that immigrants legally working in the state may no longer be legally allowed to drive. An increase in uninsured drivers is also predicted. Once a driver’s license is no longer valid in the state, insurance providers will have to reassess coverage for accidents and damages.
Economic impact is also foreshadowed as many sectors rely mainly on immigrant laborers. Some immigrants do jobs where driving is a requirment and they utilize licenses from other states. Disregarding the driver’s licenses issued by other states, this law may make it hard for immigrants to drive or occupy careers where driving is a requirement.
The law increasing tension between the states
The state, as per the new law, is enabling local officers to determine the legal status of driver’s licenses (even those licenses from other states). While some states, like North Carolina, are going rather easy on driver’s license rules by saying goodbye to in-person driver’s license renewals, other states are getting stricter on policy.
Which state is looking at immigrant IDs from other states?
House Bill 0116 in Wyoming Legislature will ensure that the driver’s licenses that have been issued to undocumented immigrants will be invalidated in Wyoming. All driver’s licenses issued to immigrant drivers from 21 states inlcuding New York, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, and California could be invalidated.
Licenses in other states may have been validated for federal purposes but thus far does not indicate the immigration status of the holder. As of July, more road checks were done and the prominence of these road checks are said to continue.
There are many in favor of this law which considers state sovereignity, but others understand the consequences that such a law could have and the legal implications associated with the law. For now, Wyoming is one of the most brutal states to address out-of-state IDs possessed by undocumented immigrants. State setbacks and lawsuits may soon follow in this state. Wyoming is not alone in its decision. Florida and Alabama are implementing stricter measures and possibly widespread bans on driver’s licenses of the targeted group.
