The current situation in the United States is especially precarious for foreigners. Roadside checks are commonplace, and many citizens have encountered difficulties due to not carrying all the required documentation. In some cases, local officers may refer the matter to agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In Miami, for example, all drivers are required to prove their identity, and foreigners must provide proof of their legal status in the United States.
Knowing your constitutional rights and remaining calm during immigration checkpoints on highways is essential
According to experts, not carrying the correct documentation can lead to fines, arrests, and even immigration risks. Therefore, knowing your constitutional rights and remaining calm during immigration checkpoints on highways is essential. For example, in Florida, according to regulations from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), legal immigrants in the state are required to renew their driver’s licenses every year, even if their visas or immigration permits have a longer validity period.
Florida only allows driving within its borders with what it considers licenses ‘valid under state law’
It’s important to be aware of all the regulations and updates regarding the documentation required in case of a traffic stop, and to keep in mind that this can vary depending on the state you’re in. Florida only allows driving within its borders with what it considers licenses ‘valid under state law,’ which excludes those issued to undocumented individuals in other states. Furthermore, as mentioned above, renewal dates have changed, so it’s important to be aware of this. Previously, driver’s licenses and identification cards were issued with expiration dates that coincided with the expiration of the applicant’s immigration documents. Now, this is different.
Documents may include: a permanent resident card (green card); DACA approval receipts; humanitarian parole; asylum approval…
On the other hand, to renew a driver’s license, you must bring a series of documents depending on your legal status in the country. These documents may include: a permanent resident card (green card); DACA approval receipts; humanitarian parole; asylum approval; TPS approval receipt; work permit; DACA, TPS, asylum, or U visa work permit; U visa approval receipt; student visa; tourist visa; VAWA approval receipt; or a summons for a deportation hearing. In any case, and if you have any questions, you can visit the state’s website to verify the status of each procedure.
There are states like California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status
It’s important to understand all the nuances, as some states, like California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. In Texas, for example, to obtain a driver’s license, applicants must present a valid visa, permanent resident card, work permit, and other official documentation issued by federal authorities. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the laws of each state.
The changes to the regulations will not affect legal permanent residents in how they manage their driver’s licenses
Regarding fines, the amounts or penalties can vary depending on the circumstances. According to the 2021 Florida Statutes (Chapter 322, Section 3), it is a crime to drive without a valid license or with a license that has been expired for more than six months. In such cases, there may be fines or driving restrictions. If you have any questions, consult an expert. According to experts, the changes to the regulations will not affect legal permanent residents in how they manage their driver’s licenses. However, it will impact immigrants with work visas or extended temporary permits, who will now have to return to the DMV offices annually to renew or modify their driver’s license to avoid problems.
