State bill would give licenses to those in US illegally

People living in the U.S. illegally would be able to seek a California driver’s license under a bill that passed the state Assembly.

The measure from Democratic Assemblyman Luis Alejo of Watsonville would allow those without a Social Security number to apply for a license. They must show several alternative forms of identification, including a birth certificate and proof of residency.

Alejo says AB60 would increase safety on California roads because unlicensed drivers are nearly three times as likely to cause a crash.

A committee analysis says there are 2 million people in California who would be eligible for a driver’s license or ID card.

Republicans opposed the bill, saying it could jeopardize other uses for the IDs. The Assembly approved the bill 53-20 Wednesday, sending it to the Senate.