1. See
the
full
report
at:
h.p://bit.ly/CSJDriversLicense
THE KEY TO SAFETY AND SECURITY
IN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania residents used to be able to apply, take a driver’s exam, and receive a
driver’s license regardless of their immigration status. But in 2003, a law went into
effect barring undocumented residents from obtaining driver’s licenses, interfering
with their ability to provide for themselves and their families. This report illustrates
how the current law is failing. It also explains why providing driver’s licenses to all
will benefit the Commonwealth and all of its residents.
DUE TO THEIR INELIGIBILITY FOR LICENSES
89%TOOK WORK FOR
LESS PAY
-OR-
87%HAD DIFFICULTY
RENTING
HOUSING
89%HAD DIFFICULTY
GETTING
85%
HAD TO GIVE UP:
• EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
First
Year
Renewal
Years
POTENTIAL STATE REVENUE FROM LICENSE FEES
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and all Pennsylvania residents, would
benefit economically if driver’s license eligibility was extended to all
residents. The state economy is currently hindered because
some residents are limited in their ability to contribute.
A
FINAL
THOUGHT
“I have to drive, but I am always going around with
fear. I would be so happy if given the chance in
Pennsylvania to take the driver’s license exam and
comply with the rules.”
- PETRA HIDALGO
First
Year
Renewal
Years
If 50% of
undocumented
immigrants
obtained
licenses.
If 75% of
undocumented
immigrants
obtained
licenses
$2.76
MILLION $2.36
MILLION
$4.14
MILLION
$3.54
MILLION
• A SCHOLARSHIP
• A BETTER SCHOOL
UTILITY SERVICE
OFFERING LICENSES TO ALL RESIDENTS
WOULD INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY
National statistics show that licensed drivers are safer drivers. Thus, it
will be beneficial to allow all residents, regardless of immigration status,
to obtain licenses. States that allow all residents to obtain licenses have
seen significant drops in their traffic fatality rates
(deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled).
FEWER HOURS
50.9%
UTAH
1997-2012
NEW MEXICO
2003-2012
35.5% 45.8%
WASHINGTON
1993-2012