Arizona one of last states to deny licenses to DACA immigrants

February 04, 2013

The number of states granting driver's licenses to young immigrants who qualify for an Obama administration program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is growing. KJZZ's Jude Joffe-Block reports Arizona is one of the last remaining states to deny licenses to these immigrants.

Michigan and Iowa had previously taken the same stance as Arizona: No licenses for young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally and gained work permits through a new federal program. 

But Michigan reversed its policy on Friday, and Iowa did the same in late January. Those states cited new federal guidance that clarifies immigrants who qualify for the program are authorized to be in the country.

A spokesman for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has said the Governor is reviewing the federal guidance. Meanwhile, young immigrants are challenging Arizona's ban in federal court, and a hearing is scheduled in March.