As drivers cruise across the U.S., the iconic “Welcome to…” signs at state borders mask a deepening divide over who is actually welcome behind the wheel.
While 19 states and Washington, D.C., currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, a growing number of Republican-led states are pushing back—banning licenses issued to people in the country illegally and signaling broader resistance to immigration policy at the state level.
Crackdowns in Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee
Florida, under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, became the first to invalidate certain out-of-state licenses in 2023. Specifically, the law targets licenses that are explicitly designated for undocumented immigrants—currently those from Connecticut and Delaware. Driving with one of these licenses in Florida is now a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time.
Wyoming enacted a similar measure this year, and Tennessee is poised to follow after its legislature passed comparable legislation. “The sign says, ‘Welcome to Tennessee, illegal immigrants are not welcome,’” said Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
Wave of Legislative Proposals
At least six additional GOP-led states—including Alabama, Montana, and New Hampshire—are advancing legislation to restrict driving privileges for undocumented immigrants. In Alabama, a bill awaiting final approval would invalidate certain out-of-state licenses and even require “Welcome to Alabama” signs to include a warning about the ban.
“We want to discourage illegal immigration, from coming to or staying in Alabama,” said Sen. Chris Elliott, who sponsored the bill.
Democratic Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison called the proposal “mean-spirited” and added the sign amendment to ensure transparency: “People need to know they could be caught up in this.”
License Laws in Blue States
In contrast, blue states like California, New York, and Connecticut continue to offer driving privileges to undocumented immigrants as a matter of safety and integration. In these states, undocumented residents must still pass vision, written, and road tests to qualify for licenses.
California lawyer Robert Perkins said fear among immigrant communities is palpable: “Even the ones that might have a California driver’s license, they’re terrified to go anywhere.”
Connecticut had considered ending special markings on its “drive-only” licenses to avoid out-of-state penalties, but the proposal failed to gain traction.
Federal Standards and Real ID
While the federal REAL ID Act, taking effect May 7, sets national standards for identification used in federal facilities and commercial flights, it does not bar states from issuing non-compliant licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Some states, like Connecticut and Delaware, distinguish these licenses with special markings—making them targets for bans in states like Florida. But most states offering licenses to undocumented immigrants do not label them differently, making enforcement of out-of-state bans murky.
A Symbolic and Legal Tension
Experts say the crackdown on driver’s licenses reflects a broader state-level push to influence immigration enforcement. “It’s a trend of states getting involved in federal immigration issues,” said immigration attorney Kathleen Campbell Walker.
Although actual enforcement appears rare, immigrant advocates like Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida worry about the chilling effect: “It’s not just about legality. It’s about fear, mobility, and survival.”
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