Introduction to AB60 Law
AB60 is a law in California that allows undocumented state residents to obtain a driver’s license. This law was passed in October 2013 and became effective on January 1, 2015. Prior to the passage of AB60, undocumented residents in California could not legally obtain a driver’s license, which meant that many of them drove without a license and without insurance, which in turn increased the risk of traffic accidents and fines. AB60 was designed to improve highway safety and allow undocumented California residents to drive legally and obtain auto insurance.
History of AB60 Law
AB60 was passed by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Jerry Brown in October 2013. The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, who argued that allowing undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license would improve highway safety and reduce the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers. AB60 was supported by a broad coalition of community groups, civil rights organizations and law enforcement agencies. However, the bill also faced strong opposition from some conservative groups and Republican lawmakers, who argued that the law rewarded illegal immigration and weakened immigration enforcement. Despite the opposition, AB60 passed and went into effect on January 1, 2015, making California the eleventh state to allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license. Since then, AB60 has been widely recognized as a successful measure to improve highway safety and help California’s undocumented residents drive legally and obtain auto insurance.
Requirements for obtaining a driver’s license under the AB60 Act
To obtain a driver’s license under AB60, applicants must meet certain requirements. First, applicants must prove their identity and residency in California. This can be done by presenting a number of documents, including a valid foreign passport, a matricula consular, or an identification issued by the applicant’s home country. Applicants must also provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
In addition, applicants must pass a traffic rules knowledge test and a driving skills test. These tests are conducted in Spanish, in addition to other languages, and are designed to assess the applicant’s ability to drive safely on California roadways.
AB60 also requires applicants to provide their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The ITIN is used to verify the applicant’s identity and to ensure that the applicant does not have a driver’s license in another state.
It is important to note that driver’s licenses issued under AB60 are valid only for driving in California and cannot be used as federal identification. In addition, driver’s licenses issued under AB60 are renewed every five years and applicants must re-comply with California identity and residency requirements at each renewal.
Benefits of AB60 Law
AB60 has provided a number of significant benefits for undocumented residents of California. First, the law has improved highway safety by allowing undocumented drivers to obtain a driver’s license legally and to be tested for driving skills and knowledge of traffic rules. This has reduced the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers on the roads, which in turn has decreased the number of traffic accidents and improved safety for all drivers and passengers.
In addition, AB60 has allowed undocumented residents of California to obtain automobile insurance. Prior to the passage of AB60, many undocumented residents were unable to obtain auto insurance because they did not have a valid driver’s license. This meant that if they were involved in an accident, they not only faced fines and legal penalties, but could also be responsible for paying damages and injuries to others involved in the accident. AB60 has allowed undocumented residents to obtain auto insurance legally, which has improved their financial security and reduced the risk of serious financial consequences in the event of an accident.
Another important benefit of AB60 is that it has allowed undocumented California residents to integrate more fully into society. By obtaining a driver’s license, undocumented residents can legally drive for work, take their children to school, and perform other daily activities without fear of being detained and deported. This has improved their quality of life and allowed them to participate more fully in California’s economic and social life.
Criticisms and controversies of the AB60 Law
AB60 has faced criticism and controversy since its passage in 2013. Some critics argue that the law rewards illegal immigration and weakens immigration enforcement. By allowing undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license, they argue, AB60 makes life easier for illegal immigrants and gives them a false sense of security that could encourage more people to cross the border illegally.
In addition, some critics of AB60 argue that the law could increase fraud and document forgery. By allowing applicants to present a number of documents to prove their identity and California residency, they argue, AB60 makes it easier for illegal immigrants to falsify documents to obtain a driver’s license.
However, supporters of AB60 argue that the law improves highway safety and helps California’s undocumented residents integrate more fully into society. They argue that allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license reduces the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers on the roads, which in turn improves safety for all drivers and passengers. In addition, they argue that AB60 does not reward illegal immigration, but rather recognizes the fact that many undocumented residents are already living and working in California and need a safe and legal way to drive.
As for fraud and falsification of documents, supporters of AB60 argue that the law has strong safeguards in place to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the application process.
How to apply for a driver’s license under the AB60 Act
To apply for a driver’s license under AB60, applicants must follow several steps. First, applicants must schedule an appointment with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Due to the high demand for driver’s licenses issued under AB60, it is important to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long waits.
Second, applicants must complete the DL 44 driver license application form online or in person at a DMV office. This form includes the applicant’s personal information, such as their full name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as information about their California residency.
Third, applicants must provide a number of documents to prove their identity and California residency. These documents may include a valid foreign passport, a matricula consular, an ID issued by the applicant’s home country, and a utility bill or lease to prove California residency. It is important to note that the documents submitted must be originals and copies or forged documents will not be accepted.
Once the application is completed and the necessary documents are provided, applicants must pass a traffic rules test and a driving skills test. These tests are conducted in Spanish, in addition to other languages, and are designed to assess the applicant’s ability to drive safely on California roadways.
After passing the tests, applicants must provide their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Conclusion and future perspectives
In conclusion, AB60 has had a significant impact on the lives of California’s undocumented residents by enabling them to obtain a driver’s license legally and improving their safety on the roadways. AB60 has been widely recognized as a successful measure to improve highway safety and help California’s undocumented residents integrate more fully into society.
Although AB60 has faced criticism and controversy since its passage in 2013, the law has proven to be an effective measure to improve roadway safety and quality of life for undocumented residents in California. In addition, AB60 has allowed undocumented California residents to obtain auto insurance legally, which has improved their financial security and reduced the risk of serious financial consequences in the event of an accident.
As for future prospects, other states may consider implementing laws similar to AB60 to improve highway safety and help undocumented residents drive legally. In addition, it is possible that AB60 may be expanded in the future to allow undocumented residents to obtain other types of licenses and identification documents, which could further enhance their integration into California society.
However, it is important to remember that AB60 is not a long-term solution to the problem of illegal immigration in the United States. Broader and more meaningful efforts are needed to address the underlying causes of illegal immigration and find sustainable and just solutions for undocumented residents throughout the country.
In conclusion, AB60 has been a successful measure to improve
FAQ
What is AB60 Law?
AB60 is a law in California that allows undocumented California residents to obtain a driver’s license legally.
What are the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license under AB60?
The requirements for obtaining a driver’s license under AB60 include proving your identity and California residency, passing a traffic rules knowledge test and a driving skills test, and providing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What are some of the benefits of AB60?
Some of the benefits of AB60 include improving highway safety by allowing undocumented drivers to obtain a driver’s license legally and reducing the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers on the road. In addition, AB60 enables undocumented California residents to obtain auto insurance legally, improves their financial security, and allows them to integrate more fully into California society.
Why has there been criticism and controversy surrounding AB60?
Some criticisms and controversies surrounding AB60 include arguments that the law rewards immigration.