Tell PA's State Legislature and Governor: Let Pennsylvania Drive Forward!
Pennsylvania State Legislature and Governor
Before 2002, Pennsylvania residents could legally obtain a driver's license with a Tax ID Number or ITIN, a federally issued identifier used by those who do not have a social security number to pay taxes. In 2009, PennDOT canceled the licenses of tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who had obtained them legally. It is estimated that there are 150,000 – 200,000 undocumented immigrants in Pennsylvania. Currently, immigrants without legal status are not eligible for driver's licenses and, therefore, risk deportation whenever they go to work, school, engage in commerce, or access healthcare. This situation causes fear and stress within immigrant communities, including families with mixed immigration statuses, harms Pennsylvania's economy, and makes roads less safe because not all drivers have passed the driving test. This problem is a moral, faith, public safety, and economic issue. Providing standard driver's licenses to all Pennsylvanians will improve the Commonwealth for everyone while respecting the dignity of all families, regardless of immigration status.
THE WAY FORWARD IN PA: We are working and building for PA to become the 16th state to approve this common-sense legislation. PA should follow the leadership of our neighboring states like New York and New Jersey. We support legislation allowing immigrants to show an IRS-issued tax ID number (ITIN) and/or a combination of documents proving their identity instead of a social security number. All other requirements for obtaining a driver's license - proving Pennsylvania residency, buying car insurance, and passing a driver's test - would remain the same.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL:
- Provide safety to all drivers in Pennsylvania by ensuring that all drivers have passed the driving examination and are licensed to drive, regardless of immigration status
- Protect the privacy of all residents of Pennsylvania who have driver's licenses
- Stimulate the economy in Pennsylvania by expanding the number of drivers eligible to purchase car insurance
- Provide valid identification to everyone
- Allow all drivers to have proof of insurance and registration
- Enhance knowledge of the rules & responsibilities of the road for every driver
Sponsored by
To:
Pennsylvania State Legislature and Governor
From:
[Your Name]
Stand with the people of Pennsylvania and vote for legislation to allow a drivers license to every person in our state, regardless of immigration status.