Seminar about TVDL - Temporary Visitor Driver's Licenses

On March 6, 2013, over 100 members of the Polish immigrant community came to the Copernicus Center for an information session put on by the Polish Initiative of Chicago (PIC) about a new Illinois state law that grants undocumented immigrants driver licenses (SB 957).

Under the new driver license law, undocumented immigrants will be able to apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver License (TVDL) starting November 27, 2013. After meeting all the requirements and passing the driving, written and vision tests, undocumented immigrants will finally be able to drive legally in Illinois. This law is a great step forward because it makes our communities and roads safer while keeping our families together. Many immigrant families are often torn apart because of a simple traffic stop. Children lose a parent, guidance and a critical member of their support system. Spouses lose their partner, friend and often main family breadwinner.

Those present keenly listened as PIC leaders explained the new law. Any misunderstandings were clarified during the question and answer session. PIC leaders also demonstrated how the Polish community can become active in the debate on immigration reform. For example, a PIC leader demonstrated how easy it is to place a call to our senators and representatives asking them to support immigration reform. In addition, members of the Polish community continue signing letters of petition to Representative Dan Lipinski telling him to support and become an advocate on behalf of immigration reform.

It was great seeing so many members of the Polish community becoming proactive in the immigration reform debate! Let us keep this momentum going!