Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, legislation to prevent states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and ensure state/local entities cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement.

“Far-Left Sanctuary States that issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants are not only breaking the laws of our land, they endanger families and law-abiding Americans who take to highways every day in our country - these lawless states must be stopped!

“My Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act will bar rogue states from issuing licenses to illegal immigrants and force states and localities to cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement so we can put the safety and security of Americans first.” - House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

Background:

• Under current law, 19 states, DC, and Puerto Rico allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses with only a foreign birth certificate or passport and proof of residency. Reports show that Connecticut alone has issued nearly 60,700 “drive only” licenses to illegal immigrants, enabling them to drive across state lines and evade legal immigration enforcement.

• The Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act would:

• Prohibit states who issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants from receiving a specific DOJ law enforcement grant, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).

• The JAG grant is the leading source of federal law enforcement funding to the states. The funds provide for state criminal justice initiatives, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, technical assistance, and criminal justice information systems.

• Require state and local entities to cooperate and provide all requested information to DHS immigration officials

###