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Undocumented immigrants drivers licenses bill signed into law

By WEEK Reporter

Undocumented immigrants drivers licenses bill signed into law

January 27, 2013 Updated Jan 28, 2013 at 11:04 AM CDT

CHICAGO, Ill. -- On Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law what he calls a historic piece of legislation.

The new law permits driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in Illinois.

They must, however, prove they've lived in the states for more than one year and have proper identification.

Governor Quinn was greeted with loud cheers and applause in Chicago on Sunday as he signed the bill that passed with bi-partisan support earlier this month.

Quinn says Illinois is providing a model for the whole nation.

"When the President speaks on Tuesday, he can say his own home state of Illinois, we not only passed the Dream Act last year, but we passed drivers licenses for those who are undocumented. That's great reform," said Quinn. "Comprehensive immigration reform here we come in the United States of America."

The state's illegal immigrant driver's licenses will be available in 10 months.

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