Can Illegal Immigrants Fly Within the US?
Driver’s license
It’s no secret that there are millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States. They are primarily from economically disadvantaged countries. These individuals need a driver’s license to get to and from work. However, they can’t obtain one without proving their legal status. In some cases, this can be as simple as providing a birth certificate or consular card from their home country.
The Department of Transportation estimates that at least two million undocumented immigrants are driving on American roads. The numbers could be higher, depending on how President Barack Obama’s executive order affects the number of immigrants in the country. Some states are taking action to tighten their requirements for illegal immigrants. Several are reportedly considering new rules for issuing drivers licenses to the immigrant community.
California is the latest state to introduce a policy that will grant licenses to drivers who are undocumented. As the California Driver’s License Program goes into effect in January, hundreds of thousands of immigrant drivers will be eligible for licenses. To receive a driver’s license, applicants will need to prove their identity, pass a road test, and pay a fee. Those who are eligible will also have a distinct marking on their licenses that will allow them to distinguish their driver’s license from other driver’s licenses.
For instance, the most basic driver’s license will include the name and address of the local government. If the applicant is under 18, they will need to provide proof of their driver’s education. Those who have a criminal record should speak with an attorney before applying. While these drivers will not be able to receive a standard driver’s license, they will be able to receive a special license that will allow them to drive legally across the nation.
One of the most important reasons to have a driver’s license is to avoid being arrested for driving without a valid license. This is especially true for immigrants who aren’t legal residents. Driving without a license is the fastest route to deportation. Getting a license can also help them get to work early, which will improve their opportunities to contribute to the local economy.
Another reason to have a driver’s license is because it will prove you are competent enough to operate a vehicle. Many advocates believe that this will promote legitimacy and safety on the roads. However, it may be difficult for many immigrant drivers to find the time or the funds to take the necessary steps. A number of advocates have organized training sessions to prepare immigrants for the process.
For the most part, immigrant advocacy groups have been training their clients on the ins and outs of the driving test and safe driving practices. In some cases, they’ve even arranged a three-month period of practice driving for their clients.
But it’s not just immigrant workers who would benefit from getting a license. Supporters argue that giving undocumented immigrants the ability to drive will also help them learn more about their community. By learning more about the local culture and the rules of the road, they will better understand the laws and be able to keep their families safe.
City Keys
The Florida Keys have been experiencing migrant landings in recent weeks. Cubans and Haitians have been coming ashore in large numbers. Although the Florida Keys have not been the regular end point for Cubans and Haitians, the arrivals indicate human smugglers are becoming more organized.
In the last month alone, more than 500 Cuban and Haitian immigrants have come ashore in the Keys. They are also fleeing economic woes in their countries. Many migrants have been arrested or deported after attempting to cross into the U.S., according to immigration experts.
As a result, federal officials have struggled to respond to the mass migration event. They have faced difficulties determining how to stop the influx of illegal immigrants and the costs of additional facilities. Some landings have occurred as far north as Palm Beach.
This weekend, the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast was notified of five migrant landings. Approximately 600 immigrants were encountered at sea, and another 400 or more were found on various small islands. One migrant was convicted of kidnapping.
The Coast Guard has intercepted thousands of immigrants in the last year. There are a number of routes used by illegal immigrants to enter the US, and it is unclear which route they will use in the future. When a migrant reaches land, he or she is immediately detained by Customs and Border Protection agents. Those whose arrival results in a successful removal are transferred to Miami Sector U.S. Border Patrol, who will process the migrant and remove them.
Cuban and Haitian migrants have been stretching the capacity of U.S. border agencies, according to immigration experts. While many Cubans and Haitians have been caught over the years, the number of migrants has reached its highest level since 2016. Maritime migration will continue to be the primary pathway for both groups, said Metellus. However, he notes that the number of boats arriving from Mexico is increasing, too.
The latest migrant landing is taking place on Dry Tortugas National Park. This group of seven islands is located about 70 miles west of Key West. A recent influx of Cuban and Haitian migrants has led to the closure of the national park for the time being. According to the National Park Service, the park will reopen on Sunday.
Migrants who successfully reach land are then processed by federal agents. Depending on the individual situation, they will be referred to a judge for asylum proceedings. If they are returned to their country of origin, they will need to prove they have a credible fear of persecution.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are a number of different methods used to remove migrants. It depends on how much the agency can handle, as well as the individual’s situation. Typically, the migrant is transported by truck to a fenced area outside the Customs and Border Protection station, where he or she will be provided with basic first aid, food, clothing, and shelter.
On Sunday, August 28, a resident of the Lower Keys reported to several government agencies that a vessel carrying 15 Cuban migrants was taking on water. This would be the second vessel reported in the Lower Keys that day.