Oregon to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses
State lawmakers pass bill expanding driving rights to all drivers, regardless of immigration status.
Illegal immigrants may soon be legal drivers in Oregon.
A measure expanding driving privileges to any Oregon residents — regardless of immigration status — was approved Saturday by state senators.
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House Bill 2015, which passed by a 17-10 vote, now heads to Democratic Gov. Kate Brown, who is expected to sign the legislation.
One Democrat — Sen. Betsy Johnson, of Scappoose — voted against the measure, according to Oregon Live.
The move will make Oregon the 14th state to allow illegal immigrants to drive. New York approved a similar measure in June.
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The bill has been a priority for pro-immigration groups who say undocumented immigrants often live in rural areas where a car is a neccesity. Those without proof of residency say they live in fear that they could be deported over a traffic stop.
Opponents say that the measure should be sent to the ballot considering voters shot down a similar proposal in 2014 that would've created a "driver's card" for illegal immigrants. But the bill reportedly can't be voted upon by residents, as lawmakers added a clause that does not allow for a citizen referendum.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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