Assemblyman Luis Alejo talked up potential benefits to the California economy and millions of families with a new law effective Jan. 2 allowing undocumented immigrants the ability to get driver’s licenses.
Alejo, D-Watsonville, authored the bill that allows immigrants to get driver’s licenses without showing proof of U.S citizenship, while barring any discrimination against them in the process. Alejo encouraged local residents to study up for the exam and offered instructions on getting appointments at the Hollister Department of Motor Vehicles.
At the Hollister meeting and then on Tuesday before the San Juan Bautista council—where he gave a similar report—Alejo pointed out that after Nevada passed a similar law, 90 percent of applicants failed the test on the first try.
“California can do better,” Alejo said.
Alejo pointed out that more than two million people could be receiving driver’s licenses after the law, Assembly Bill 60, goes into effect. He said he hopes the hiring of additional staff members at DMV offices will help address the anticipated, long waits for related services while he urged residents to sign up for appointments soon.
Alejo said he expected frustration in the early phases of the roll out at “just the sheer number” of people applying—$1.4 million at this point. He said the demand demonstrates a need there was for the ability to get licenses.
“They’ve hired up to 1,000 new staff. They’ve gone through additional training, preparation for this,” Alejo said of the DMV.
Alejo said there had been 300,000 appointments made online. He said people should search for AB60 on search engines such as Google to find the special website for the sign-ups. He said to follow the instructions when going to the site, apps.dmv.ca.gov/ab60.
Alejo also touted potential benefits to the state economy, mentioning how more than two million people could be buying auto insurance and some will also need vehicles. He said a bank manager told him it also could increase the number of credit lines out there.
Look back for more.
