Indiana lawmakers advance plan to give illegal immigrants driving cards

Indiana lawmakers have advanced a proposal for the first time that, if passed into law, would allow illegal immigrants to obtain state-issued cards allowing them to drive.

The bill would establish driver privilege cards, which the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles could issue to immigrants who pass the state’s driving test, have paid Indiana taxes in the past year, submitted to a fingerprint background check and provide proof of auto insurance.

Eighteen states, including California, Illinois, New York and Utah, already have approved similar driving cards in recent years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.