Does Allowing to Obtain IDs Without Proof of Legal Presence Make Our Roads and Communities Safer?

It was not easy to apply for an immigration visa to come to the United States but, as immigrants, we must follow the immigration process out of respect for the country's law. However, meeting people who came in illegally using other people’s ID, disregarded debt issues with a financial institution since using someone else’s social security number, and yet were able to get benefits from the government doesn’t make sense to me. Then, I learned that some states have passed legislation allowing individuals to apply or obtain a driver's license or learner's permit regardless of their immigration status. How is this fair to legal immigrants who abide by the rules?

By enabling individuals to acquire these essential forms of identification without confirming their legal status, the law undermines the integrity of the legal immigration process and may lead to diminished respect for the rule of law.

This law could have significant and far-reaching negative effects on both the legal system and society as a whole. The requirement to show proof of legal presence has long been a standard measure to ensure that those receiving state-issued identification are complying with immigration laws. By removing this requirement, the law may inadvertently suggest that legal status is of lesser importance, potentially undermining the efforts of those who have adhered to the legal immigration process. This could lead to a broader perception that following legal processes is optional, thereby weakening the overall integrity of the immigration system and other legal frameworks…

Erosion of Legal Standards

Security Concerns: Not having strict documentation requirements could increase the chance of identity fraud and make it easier for people with bad intentions to obtain false identification. Without strict documentation requirements, individuals are more likely to use fraudulent documents to obtain identification.

Trust in the System: The core or foundation of any legal system is the belief that following the rules should lead to fair outcomes. But when people who follow the law see that promise is not delivered, it can undermine their trust in the system, decline in confidence and have wider consequences, fostering disillusionment not just with the immigration process but also with legal and governmental institutions in general.

Perceived Inequality: The people who have immigrated legally may think that their efforts or commitment to following the rules are overlooked while those who circumvent legal requirements gain unfair benefits. This feeling of unfairness can foster feelings of resentment, feel like there is an unfair imbalance when it comes to how resources and opportunities are allocated.

Undermines the Rule of Law: This law could shake up the whole immigration system we have in place. By dropping the requirement to prove legal presence, it might give the impression that legal status doesn’t really matter or that following immigration laws is optional. That could lead to a general lack of respect for the legal process as a whole.

Risk of Exploitation by Criminal Groups: Criminals could easily exploit this loophole to help with things like human trafficking or drug smuggling by allowing people to get valid IDs without checking their legal status.

Impact on Public Resources

The strain on Public Services: Granting IDs and licenses without checking legal status could increase the number of people tapping into public services. This might leave fewer resources for those who are legal residents and citizens. It's great to help those in need, but it’s essential to prioritize citizens and those who play by the rules.

Resource Allocation: When government benefits go to people who have not followed the legal immigration process, it can diminish support from those who have. Legal immigrants who find it hard to get basic services might feel like they’re being ignored in favor of others who have not followed the same rules.

Increased Administrative Burden: The states might encounter extra hassles and expenses when verifying the applicants' identities without a standard way to prove their legal presence. This could lead to increased waiting time and added costs for taxpayers.

Pressure on Neighboring States: If one state passes such law, it might encourage individuals from other states or countries to take advantage of more accessible access to IDs. This could create policy inconsistencies and make keeping standards consistent across the country more challenging.

Public Backlash and Social Division

Effort and Sacrifice: Legal immigration often involves years of waiting, costly applications, and strict background checks. Many individuals make significant sacrifices, including leaving behind their home countries, loved ones, and familiar cultures, in hopes of building a better life. When these individuals see others who have circumvented the process receiving benefits without facing the same hurdles, it can understandably feel unjust.

Moral and Ethical Considerations: The situation raises questions about fairness and justice, society's values, hard work, integrity, and adherence to the law. When individuals who embody these values are not supported, while others who may have circumvented the system are, it challenges our collective sense of right and wrong.

Resentment Among Legal Residents: Legal residents and citizens who followed the proper procedures might feel their efforts are being undervalued when they see others receiving similar benefits without following legal processes. This could strain resources, reduce service quality, and cause frustration among those who feel their compliance with the law is being overlooked. This sense of unfairness could deepen social divides and make it harder to achieve community cohesion.

Following the already established policy and procedures will contribute to a system that balances border control with the opportunities for legal entry and residency. Following the immigration process makes for a fair and organized system that benefits everyone. Addressing these issues calls for considering an approach that acknowledges the sacrifices made by legal immigrants, and ensures that the system rewards those who follow the rules first and not those who don't. While the intention behind the goal of the legislation might be to make sure that all the residents, regardless of immigration status, can get access to basic identification, it also has significant negative effects leading to unintended consequences that could affect public safety and governance.