Illinois is one of 11 states that grants driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. In the last year and a half, the state has awarded more than 100,000 of these IDs to immigrants who meet certain qualifications. But, the program has faced criticism for its slow pace and prohibitive steps.
The General Assembly passed the immigrant driver's license law back in 2012 under the rationale that a quarter of a million undocumented Illinoisans were driving anyway, and that a path to licensure would make the roads safer.
To obtain one of these licenses, called a "TVDL," undocumented immigrants must prove they've lived in Illinois for one year, have car insurance and pass a driving test. But some immigrants are finding it's taking upwards of six months to get an appointment, and having to drive far distances across the state for faster service.
Secretary of State Jesse White says his office was only given eight months to prepare for the program.
"We've given over 110,000 drivers licenses out to individuals… who don't have a social security number… we're on the right track in terms of speeding forth the delivery of services in a timely manner."
The Illinois Highway Safety Coalition says prior to the law, unlicensed uninsured drivers were involved in almost 80,000 accidents in the state each year, resulting in millions of dollars in cost to taxpayers.