Bill to help clarify Ohio licenses for immigrants

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Two state lawmakers say driver's licenses for some young illegal immigrants are being blocked, and they are introducing an Ohio bill to clarify rules around those in a new federal program.

The Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program grants valid federal work permits to qualified applicants brought to the U.S. as children without legal authorization.

Since the program was announced in June, states have grappled with how and whether to issue driver's licenses to those granted legal presence.

Democratic Sens. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati and Charleta Tavares of Columbus say some Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices will grant licenses to these individuals while others will not. Their proposal would let those approved for the federal program obtain a temporary instructor's permit, driver's license, or motorcycle operator's license.