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California Bill Would Give Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Immigrants

Photo Credit: Ken Lund

More immigrants living in the U.S. illegally would be able to obtain a California driver’s license under a bill that is moving through the state Legislature.

A measure from Democratic Assemblyman Luis Alejo, of Watsonville, would allow people without a Social Security number to apply for a license. They must show several alternative forms of identification, including a birth certificate and proof of residency.

Unauthorized immigrants seeking a license also must pass a driving test like other applicants.

The legislation, which passed the state Assembly on Wednesday, follows a law approved last year that allowed driver’s licenses to be issued to unauthorized immigrants who are eligible for work permits under a revised federal policy.

Alejo said his bill, AB60, would increase safety on California roads. A recent study by the state Department of Motor Vehicles showed that unlicensed drivers are nearly three times as likely to cause a crash, he said.

Read more from this story HERE.

Facial Recognition Technology Prohibits Smiling on New Jersey Driver’s Licenses

If you’re headed to the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles, you’d better not put on a happy face.

The Garden State’s DMV has banned smiling during license photos so that their new facial-scanning software can identify drivers more easily.

But the ban, which took effect in January, has many drivers scowling, complaining that they’re entitled to pose how they wish.

‘Your picture means a lot; it’s who you are,’ said Velvet McNeil, 38, of Sicklerville, N.J., to the Philadelphia Daily News.

‘Why should we all look like androids, looking mopey? I know there are some people who don’t have good driver’s licenses, but I actually keep all mine.’

Read more from this story HERE.