Driver's licenses to immigrants here illegally soars inCalifornia

More than half the new driver's licenses issued in California during the first six months of the yearhave gone to immigrants in the country illegally, the state Department of Motor Vehicles reportedFriday.

Immigrants received 397,000 of the 759,000 original driver's licenses issued in California since theJanuary beginning of a new law aimed at providing licenses to those not legally in the country butwho can document their identity and California residency.

"The latest numbers reflect the continued successful implementation of AB 60," said DMV DirectorJean Shiomoto. "The DMV was determined to develop a process that would not only meet thestringent requirements of this new law, but also the unique needs of our newly expanded customerbase."

Gov. Jerry Brown and other state officials decided to provide licenses to immigrants so they couldlegally drive to work and school and to improve traffic safety by requiring them to pass the driver'slicense test and get insurance.

Many more immigrants are in line to receive the specially marked licenses, which do not entitlethem to vote or board airplanes.

The DMV reported that it has received about 687,000 driver's license applications from immigrantswho are in the country illegally, while 1.4 million people have visited the DMV to ask about thespecial licenses.

Twitter: @McGreevy99.

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