AZ DACA Dreamers and DLs - Page 2

Originally Posted by dayz0811

As most of you know by now, a few states have taken steps to prevent DACA applicants from receiving state benefits such as a driver's license. I myself live in Arizona. I've checked out the DMV's website to research the license requirements, and the changes due to Gov. Brewer's executive order have already been posted.

Back when the news broke out, much was being said about the legality of the order and that it wouldn't stand. Since then, I myself haven't heard much about any plan of action, if there is a viable one at all. Some of us are already in the pipeline to receive EADs soon enough, hence this is a challenge we will be facing in the coming weeks.

So for other AZ applicants, what options could we reasonably expect to pursue? Some will say we should move to friendlier states, but for some us, that is not an option at the moment. Should we just try our luck and go to DMV anyways?

And for those of us who need professional state licenses or are planning to go into careers that require them, should we be worried that the order will affect our eligibility for these documents too? I'm just trying to plan ahead, so I am interested in what others have to say on this topic.

Originally Posted by HijoEhSu

I thought only US citizens could get enhanced DLs/IDs?

Originally Posted by jaz2012

I also live in AZ and for now I'm not too worried about the license issue. I think we'll have no other option then to go to another state and get one. Which sucks because the whole purpose (for me at least) is to do everything legally and not have to lie but Brewer makes it difficult. I do plan on leaving Arizona hopefully next year but I don't have a set date. My short term goals right now are to get a job get enrolled in school and save as much money as possible to move to another state. I have been driving without a license for over 10 years now and that's why I'm not freaking out about the licenses. I think I'll probably just go to California and get one. I won't even go to the DMV and "try my luck" because the people at the DMV are sometimes rude and I just don't want to deal with them.

And what do you mean by professional state licenses? Are you talking about commercial driver licenses or what exactly?

Originally Posted by dayz0811

As for professional licenses, some careers require licenses granted from the state to work in particular fields. Nursing, pharmacy, medicine, physical therapy, etc. My main concern is that now that we can at least work to fund our education, if we should go into one of these fields, would that work have been for nothing? After all, the executive order targeted public benefits in general, not just DL licenses.

Originally Posted by kyungwc

They let you get a license with just the i-797C notice?!

It clearly states on the top that it does not grant immigration status or benefits....

Originally Posted by JJ Glo

How would the DMV know that the EAD was given to you by means of Deferred Action? the EAD is no different than the rest. Unless they go by the 2 year expiration date.

You should try your luck as soon as you get your EAD and SSN and hopefully you get someone who isn't too knowledgeable about the whole thing.