Several state representatives have drafted legislation to allow undocumented immigrants residing in Pennsylvania to obtain a driver's license or a learner's permit. H.B. 1520, sponsored by State Rep. Angel Cruz of Philadelphia and co-sponsored by five other representatives, was introduced June 12 in the House of Representatives Transportation Committee.

The legislation would allow an undocumented person to apply for a driver's license or a learner's permit if that person has resided in Pennsylvania for at least 90 days.

An unexpired passport, unexpired consular identification documents or a consular report of birth abroad are identity documents an undocumented person would be allowed to present when applying for a license or permit.

Nevertheless, the legislation stipulates that an undocumented person may not use the license or permit as proof of identity, for registering to vote or any other purpose besides driving a vehicle. The legislation also stipulates that a license or permit would be valid as long as the holder of it remains domiciled in Pennsylvania.

Undocumented persons found guilty of serious crimes would be barred from applying.

For Rep. Cruz and other supporters of the measure, this is a public safety issue. They say drivers who are tested, insured and know the traffic and safety rules of the road are safer drivers. Supporters cite a study by the California State Department of Motor that found that unlicensed drivers in California are three times as likely to cause a fatal crash.

Some supporters say it's also a human dignity issue. The Rev. Steven E. Lozada, a Lehigh County member of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), welcomes the initiative. "The coalition supports meaningful legislative measures that enable DREAMers and other undocumented people to achieve their full, human potential in our society," Rev. Lozada told the Bethlehem Press. "NaLEC appreciates the leadership of the members of the Pennsylvania Legislature who work to support this goal."

Opponents of the measure say giving undocumented immigrants the privilege of having a driver's license only entices more immigrants to come to the United States illegally.

Fraud is also a concern for critics. Last year, an Associated Press investigation found that in New Mexico same business and home addresses were allegedly used over and over by foreign nationals trying to get driver's licenses. The allegations of widespread fraud have prompted calls from New Mexico Republican Gov. Susana Martínez to scrap the law in that state that allows aliens to get a driver's license.

Besides New Mexico, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Utah and Washington are some of the states that currently allow undocumented residents to have a driver's license.