For Release: May 1, 2023
Contact: Emily Miota, emiota@kidsforward.org

Days Before ‘A Day without Immigrants’, Lawmakers Move to Strip Driver Licenses from State Budget

On May Day: A Day without Latinx and Immigrants, Wisconsin lawmakers can lift up every family by restoring driver licenses for all. This would help keep families together, increase economic opportunities for working families, ensure safer roads, and boost state revenue.

Immigrant parents and family caregivers without a license currently drive in fear of being stopped and potentially separated from their families. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are approximately 32,000 Wisconsinites who are undocumented and have children. 

“Driver licenses for parents and family caregivers would mean they could pick up their children from school, go to doctor appointments, and buy groceries without fear,” stated Liliana Barrera, Policy & Engagement Coordinator for Kids Forward.

Immigrants with driver licenses will also be in a better position to support their families and contribute to the local economy. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are an estimated 47,000 workers who are undocumented in Wisconsin. Expanding driver licenses to all will allow them to travel to and from jobs more safely. 

Driver licenses had been available to immigrant drivers up until a federal law blocked them in 2007. Since then, states have had to individually work to restore the right to drive to all state residents. Nineteen states, most recently Minnesota, have passed laws that make driver licenses accessible to all eligible residents, regardless of immigration status.

View Restoring Driver Licenses to all Wisconsinites for more.  

Kids Forward inspires action and promotes access to opportunity for every kid, every family, and every community in Wisconsin, notably children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives. Using a research- and community-informed approach, we advocate for effective, long-lasting solutions that break down barriers to success for children and families.