Date of Graduation

Spring 5-19-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Migration Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Migration Studies

First Advisor

Genevieve Negrón Gonzales

Abstract

This qualitative research study focuses on the safety under AB 60 driver’s licenses and how the Real ID affects the daily lives of Latino undocumented California residents. The purpose of this project is to further understand the implementation of the second provision of the Real ID Act of 2005 which issues marked identifications and driver's licenses that are federal compliant and understand how it will affect Latino undocumented California residents. The focus of this study through the literature review and the Testimonios is on the experiences of Latino undocumented immigrants living in California, and is viewed through a Latino Critical Race Theory lens. All six participants' testimonios discussed their experience before having an AB 60 driver’s license, having an AB 60 driver’s license, and how they anticipate the Real ID’s exclusionary requirements will affect their daily life. The two research questions for this study were: (1) How have AB-60 driver’s licenses been beneficial to Latino undocumented California residents, and how do Real IDs pose a threat on their daily stability? (2) How will the Real ID (Act of 2005) affect the daily lives of Latino undocumented immigrants living in California once the act is in effect in May of 2025? In conclusion, existing literature and the findings from the study demonstrate that Latino undocumented California residents benefit in various ways with their AB 60 driver’s license and they anticipate the Real ID will separate them from society, bringing back discrimination they had previously experienced before obtaining their AB 60 driver’s license, and fear of being criminalized by law enforcement.

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