When you think of progressive policies around the treatment of undocumented immigrants, you might think of cities like San Francisco. You wouldn’t necessarily think of America’s heartland, but that’s just where an important issue is being raised and rallied for. A plan included in the Wisconsin state budget this month which would allow for undocumented immigrants to be able to obtain drivers licenses (actually referred to as “drivers license certificates”) is currently being debated in the state legislature.

A coalition of dairy farmers, police and Latino advocates are making a final push to convince lawmakers to create a new driver’s card for illegal immigrants.

The advocates held a press conference Monday at the Capitol to push for the cards they saw lowers insurance rates and will improve the safety of Wisconsin roads.

They also say in difficult economic times, it would bring in over a million dollars to the state budget and help farmers get workers to the farms.

The Assembly passed the measure as part of a budget bill, but the Senate has rejected it.

The two sides will try to reconcile the bill this week.

Proponents say that the bill would make roads safer, as those without licenses are driving anyway, and a driving certificate will help ensure they adhere to traffic laws. On the other side, opponents counter that this will send a message to undocumented people that “it’s OK to break the law”.

Currently, only one state allows undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses: Utah.

Via / WSAW and Channel 3000