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In a brazen defiance of federal law, Illinois has given the green light to illegal immigrants, granting them driver’s licenses and special privileges. But what does this mean for our nation’s security?

Illinois has once again betrayed the American people by enacting House Bill 3882, which paves the way for noncitizens to obtain standard driver’s licenses, regardless of their immigration status. This move sends a dangerous message that our immigration laws are meaningless and that illegal behavior will be rewarded.

Under this new law, the current “Temporary Visitor Driver’s License” (TVDL) will be phased out, paving the way for undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses that resemble those of law-abiding citizens. While these new licenses will carry the words “Federal Limits Apply” at the top, they do not qualify as REAL ID for travel purposes, further undermining national security.

Proponents of this legislation argue that it eliminates barriers and provides opportunities for undocumented immigrants. However, these claims are nothing more than a smokescreen to mask the true consequences of this reckless decision. Granting driver’s licenses to individuals who have violated our immigration laws not only undermines the integrity of our system but also puts the safety of American citizens at risk.

Moreover, this move will have far-reaching implications beyond the roads. The purple strip on the TVDLs, meant to distinguish them from standard licenses, stigmatizes the holders and creates barriers to accessing essential services that require identification. From picking up medication to signing an apartment lease, undocumented immigrants will now have an unfair advantage over law-abiding citizens, further eroding our society’s foundations.

But Illinois’s disregard for the rule of law doesn’t stop there. The recently passed Bill 3751, which allows work-eligible non-U.S. citizens to serve in law enforcement, is another clear example of the state’s willingness to reward lawbreakers. This flagrant violation of federal law shows a complete lack of respect for the principles that uphold our nation’s security and sovereignty.

As the crisis brought on by Joe Biden’s broken border policy continues to unfold, Illinois seems determined to double down on misguided policies that cater to noncitizens at the expense of American citizens. While the rest of the country grapples with the consequences of illegal immigration, Illinois is providing sanctuary and special privileges to those who have knowingly violated our laws.

Illinois’s decision to grant driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants is a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and compromises our national security. We cannot stand idly by as our state rewards illegal behavior and prioritizes the interests of noncitizens over American citizens. It’s time to hold our elected officials accountable.