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Illinois Getting Ready To Issue Driver's Licenses To Undocumented Immigrants

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The state is planning a massive effort that to give thousands of undocumented immigrants driver's licenses, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.

Illinois Getting Ready To Issue Driver's Licenses To Undocumented Immigrants

The Secretary of State's office rolls out the license program in December and to hear Lawrence Benito, CEO for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, tell it, the new law will dramatically cut down on deportations.

Benito spoke recently at an event calling on Congress to move on immigration reform.

"The number one reason that they get into contact with deportations is simply driving without a license," said Benito.

The figure that immigration reform advocates toss out is 1,400 deportations a day nationwide. The state will conduct a series of workshops to explain the temporary licenses and there will be more than two dozen locations where immigrants can apply

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