To qualify to obtain a driver's license, Oregon residents brought to the U.S. illegally as children must be accepted into the new federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday that it will start issuing driver's licenses, permits and identification cards to some young illegal immigrants.
DMV spokesman David House says it's for those who have been issued valid immigration form I-766 through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. President Obama's program allows the young immmigrants to avoid deportation for two years, and get work permits.
Oregon driver's licenses will expire on the same day as the deferred-action documents. House says about 200 people approved through the federal program have been waiting to apply for licenses. DMV officials say several hundred others may also be eligible.
Governor John Kitzhaber applauds the move, saying in a statement that people have to get to work, and this will give workers and employers some certainty. But Jim Ludwick with Oregonians for Immigration Reform says immigrants in the federal program do not have legal immigration status and should not be given driving privileges.
