Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses Act

Full Title:
Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would limit a federal grant program called the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) for States that either issue driver licenses to people who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, or that stop State or local officials from collecting or sharing certain immigration information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill defines "immigration enforcement information" to include a person’s citizenship or immigration status and the date, time, and location when someone is released from detention, jail, or prison. If a State issues such a license, it must return any unobligated Byrne JAG funds to the U.S. Treasury within 30 days after the license is issued. If a State prohibits collecting or sharing the defined immigration information, it must return unobligated Byrne JAG funds within 30 days after this Act becomes law. A State that meets either condition is ineligible for future Byrne JAG funds until it enacts a law or policy that (A) stops issuing licenses to people without proof of citizenship or lawful presence and (B) allows collection and sharing of the defined immigration information with DHS.

What it means for you#

  • State officials: A State that issues driver licenses to people without proof of citizenship or lawful presence, or that blocks sharing certain immigration information, risks losing currently available Byrne JAG funds and future eligibility until it changes its laws or policies.
  • Local officials: The bill would allow State or local entities to collect and send immigration enforcement information to DHS if the State enacts the required policy.
  • Individuals: Under the rules the bill requires, States would be prohibited from issuing driver licenses to people who cannot show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on federal cost estimates or the total dollar amounts affected. The bill requires States to return any unobligated Byrne JAG funds they hold in the situations described; the size of those amounts would vary by State.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.