News > Immigration In Minnesota
Immigrant Drivers’ License Issue Stalls Real ID
Posted on Mar 15 2017
Minnesota’s Real ID law stalled in the legislature over the issue of drivers’ licenses for unauthorized immigrants. The House passed a Real ID law that banned such licenses; the Senate voted down the bill because of the ban. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that Minnesota needs a Real ID bill, so that Minnesotans can use drivers’ licenses as identification for airport security.
Minnesota does not currently issue drivers’ licenses to unauthorized immigrants, because of a Department of Public Safety rule. The bill would make that rule a law, making it harder to change. More than a dozen states allow licenses for unauthorized immigrants, and supporters say this would make roads safer for everyone and make it easier for these immigrants to get insurance.
Governor Mark Dayton supports a “clean” bill for Real ID, meaning a bill without the drivers’ license ban. If Real ID does not pass, Minnesotans will need a passport or an “enhanced” driver’s license to get through airport security, beginning in 2018.
Republicans generally support Real ID with a ban, but five Republicans voted with Democrats in the Senate to defeat the bill. Some are concerned that Real ID would allow too much information to be shared with the federal government.
For more information:
- Debate over driver’s licenses for unauthorized immigrants tangles Real ID bill (MPR)
- Senate rejects Real ID measure over driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants (Star Tribune)
- Dayton wants drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
- Real ID Effort Complicated by Immigrant License Issue (CBS/WCCO)
- Everything you need to know about Minnesota’s Real ID mess and where it goes from here (MinnPost)