Photo by Gage Skidmore/ CCBY

Since August of 2012, DACA recipients in Arizona have been barred from receiving driver’s licenses. This measure has been interpreted as unconstitutional and counterintuitive (since DACA recipients are able to work, but not drive legally) by immigration activist groups such as the Arizona Dream Act Coalition. ADAC filed a lawsuit against Jan Brewer, the governor of Arizona, asserting that her ban on licenses violates the Supremacy Clause and the Equal Protection Clause in the Constitution. Jan Brewer has argued since 2012 that DACA does not equate to legal status so recipients are not entitled to licenses or any state benefits.

The Supreme Court Ruling

On Wednesday, Jan Brewer’s request for the decision to be paused in order to prepare appeals was dismissed. The Supreme Court has now opened the door for over 20,000 immigrants under DACA to register for state licenses and IDs. Though the court hasn’t made a final ruling, and the DMV may not immediately comply, immigrants affected by this are celebrating this groundbreaking event.