Tony Evers' plan to combat reckless driving includes restoring access to driver's licenses for all. What does that mean for immigrants in Milwaukee?

Jessica Rodriguez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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Part of Gov. Tony Evers' 2023-'25 budget proposal includes restoring driver's licenses to all adults regardless of immigration status, something advocacy groups in Wisconsin have been wanting for years.

The Wisconsin Coalition for Safe Roads, a group organized by members of Voces de La Frontera, applauded Evers’ proposal in a press conference Tuesday at the state Capitol.

The proposal is part of a larger initiative to combat reckless driving. Advocacy groups argue expanding access to driver's licenses will help make roads safer.

More:Gov. Tony Evers released his state budget Wednesday. Here are seven key takeaways

Who can't get a driver's license in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Act 126 passed in 2006, which required applicants to demonstrate proof of citizenship or proof of legal residency in the U.S. to obtain a driver's license.

Since then, immigrants lacking permanent legal status in Wisconsin who do not have a Social Security number can no longer obtain a license.

“Without a valid driver's license, Wisconsin families are struggling," said Primitivo Torres, an organizer with Voces de La Frontera. “They're struggling to take their children to school, to buy groceries, attend medical appointments and visit places of worship."

How can restoring driver's licenses for all help combat reckless driving?

Restoring driver's licenses for all despite immigration status is a small part of Evers' proposal to make roads in Wisconsin safer.

The proposal includes:

  • Building safer communities by investing in traffic calming grants

  • Increasing driver's education and licensure, including driver's licenses for all

  • Increasing penalties for reckless driving

“We believe that is an effort of reducing the amount of hit-and-runs,” Madison police Chief Shon Barnes said. “People not wanting to report because they don't have the correct documentation is a problem and this would be an easy and relatively inexpensive fix for our great state.”

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Coalition boosts Evers' plan to grow Wisconsin driver's license access

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