Colorado granted driver's licenses to 62 illegal immigrants on Friday, officials said, during the first day of a controversial program that supporters say makes the streets safer and opponents argue rewards criminality, according to The Associated Press.
"These drivers had to pass written and driving tests to receive their license," said Barbara Brohl, executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue, the AP reported.
Another five people were given state-issued identification cards, and 23 others received learner's permits, she said, according to the AP.
Last year, Governor John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, signed into law the bill that was passed by the Democratic-controlled state legislature, with no Republican support, the AP reported.
The measure was sponsored by state Senator Jessie Ulibarri, who said at the time that the law would make the state's roads safer by requiring driving tests and insurance coverage for motorists, according to the AP. Law enforcement groups in the state supported the law, he added.
Seven applicants who signed up for the program did not keep their appointments on Friday, and 58 others were denied licenses or learner's permits for unspecified reasons, she said, the AP reported.
The license states on its face that it cannot be used as identification allowing the holder to vote, as a form of federal identification, nor to apply for government benefits, according to the AP.
Republican critics argued the law would only encourage more illegal immigration into the state, primarily from Central America, the AP reported. Colorado has a Hispanic population of about 21 percent.
Under the law, applicants must show they live in Colorado, have filed a state income tax return, and provide proof of their identity from their country of origin, according to the AP. Additionally, they must swear an affidavit saying that they already have, or will, apply for citizenship.
Colorado is among 10 states that have passed laws allowing unauthorized immigrants to acquire driver's licenses or permits, although not all have implemented the policy, the AP reported.
