Expanding access to driver licenses would be a step forward in protecting immigrant families that are under attack from state and federal lawmakers. Removing barriers to obtaining licenses for undocumented immigrants would bring broad-based benefits to Wisconsin’s economy and boost families, communities, and businesses across the state.

Wisconsin’s immigrant communities make significant contributions to the state’s schools, communities, and economy and deserve to be treated humanely. Undocumented immigrants help Wisconsin maintain healthy, vibrant communities and can further support the livelihood of our state if they were allowed to obtain driver licenses.

According to research from Kids Forward, removing the prohibition on undocumented immigrants obtaining driver licenses would result in:

• Improved family stability. An estimated 32,000 residents of Wisconsin would gain driver licenses, with 12,000 of those residents living with children who are U.S. citizens.
• More workers with the qualifications that employers need. About 22,000 workers would obtain licenses.
• Fewer uninsured drivers. The number of Wisconsin drivers who don’t have insurance would drop by an estimated 28,000.
• Lower insurance premiums. Already-insured drivers would save an estimated $16 million in insurance premiums.

Wisconsin needs to remove the barriers that keep immigrant families in the shadows and living in fear. Some of our leaders have chosen instead to promote harsh anti-immigrant rhetoric and harmful policy proposals. We can reject that approach by working to build safe and just communities for immigrant families, and clearing away impediments to family success.

By expanding access to driver licenses, lawmakers can make sure that our state is a great place to work, drive, and raise a family—for everyone.

Read the new Kids Forward report here: Widen the Road: Removing Barriers to Driver License Eligibility Will Improve Safety, Support Families, and Boost Businesses.

Tamarine Cornelius