They argue that this legislation would unfairly stigmatize legal immigrants. The federal government is responsible for immigration enforcement. Opponents of the legislation say there is no reason for state officials and law enforcement to consider the citizenship status of drivers. Supporters also argue this will also help prevent voter fraud by non-citizens trying to vote.
Supporters of the legislation say an indication of “US Citizen” or “Non-US Citizen” will give law enforcement more information regarding a person’s status that could be helpful in determining whether the individual is in the country legally or illegally.
Immigrants who are here in New Hampshire illegally cannot get a driver’s license.Ĭurrently, state licenses contain information such as gender, height, weight, age and a photo, and also indicate veteran status and whether the individual is an organ donor. However, their citizenship status is not currently displayed on the license itself. Non-citizens who are living in New Hampshire legally -such as refugees, individuals on student visas, and individuals with an employment authorization card -may apply for a driver’s license if they can provide proper documentation of their legal status to the DMV.
The legislation states: “Before the department issues any license to any person under this chapter, the department shall have examined evidence of the person's citizenship.” The bill provides no examples of suitable “evidence.” Non-citizens can get a license Betty Irene Gay (R-Salem) has advanced HB 471 that requires all drivers’ licenses and nondrivers’ identification cards indicate whether the holder is a “US Citizen” or “Non-US Citizen.”
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