Iowa DOT reviewing new guidance on issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented resident
Iowa DOT reviewing new guidance on issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented residents
4 hours ago • By JAMES LYNCH, Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau
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DES MOINES, Iowa --- The Iowa Department of Transportation is standing by its decision not to issue driver’s licenses to some undocumented residents while it reviews new guidance on implementing an Obama administration policy on illegal immigrants.
In the meantime, it’s up to legislators to change state law if they believe those undocumented residents who have been granted deferred action status under the administration’s policy should be eligible for driver’s licenses, Gov. Terry Branstad said Jan. 22.
“I believe the DOT has responsibility to follow Iowa law,” Branstad said at his weekly news conference. “If legislators feel there should be a change in the law, they are in the position to change the law.”
The DOT said state law does not give it authority to issue driver’s licenses to young people who have been granted temporary status to live and work in Iowa under an Obama administration policy announced in June. That policy allows certain residents apply for a temporary work permits if they were brought to the U.S. as children.
Although some lawmakers have criticized the DOT’s decision, Trombino said Tuesday he has not been approached by legislators wishing to change the state law.
Chairmen of the House and Senate Transportation committees are unaware of legislative proposals to change the law cited by Branstad and Trombino.
“Members who have said things to me, but I don’t think there’s any caucus consensus,” added House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha. “We’ll have to see where it goes – if anywhere.”
Trombino could face questions about the policy when he meets with the Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday.
Iowa DOT reviewing new guidance on issuing driver
