BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
Thousands of children of illegal immigrants in Michigan are now eligible for a driver's license or official state ID. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Friday reversed a policy that denied them licenses despite their status as legal residents.
The American Civil Liberties Union went to court to demand a change in Michigan's policy. The state was one of just a handful that said illegal immigrants' children who were not born in the U.S. could not get a license. These are people who were brought to the U.S. when they were 16 years old or younger. They range in age from 15 to 31. Last year, U.S. immigration policy was changed to allow this group temporary legal residency. And this was supposed to allow these young people to lead normal lives, go to school, get a job.
Johnson said a review of new federal guidelines convinced her to change the policy. The temporary licenses will expire after two years.
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