A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution there. Refugees arrive in the United States through the resettlement program.

An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country. They do so by either presenting themselves at the port of entry or filing an asylum application soon after entering the country on a visa.

Helping immigrants obtain driver's licenses improves road safety, supports economic growth, and allows individuals to live more independently. Licensed drivers are more likely to be insured, reducing accidents and hit-and-runs. It also enables immigrants to access better job opportunities and contribute more to their local economies.

The difference between the two is that an immigrant move with an intention to settle in the destination country permanently, where as migrants move with an intention to live temporarily in the destination country.

In Minnesota it is legal for undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses or driving privilege cards. These licenses are for driving purposes only and cannot be used for federal identification.

• Increased Employment: Studies show that allowing unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses can increase their employment rates by up to 17 percentage points.

• Higher Wages: With a driver's license, immigrants can access a wider range of job opportunities, potentially increasing their wages by about 11%.

• More Working Hours: The ability to drive enables immigrants to work more hours, increasing their overall income.

• Reduced Transportation Costs: Owning a car and driving legally can be more cost-effective than relying on expensive alternatives like taxis or rideshares.

This program benefits the entire community by:

• Improving road safety with more licensed and insured drivers

• Reducing poverty rates as immigrants access better job opportunities

• Increasing local economic activity through vehicle purchases and registration

• Fostering better community integration and reducing fear among immigrant populations

Donor funds support various aspects of our program, including:

• Educational materials for driver's education courses

• Behind-the- wheel driver's training

• Administrative costs to run the program efficiently

Yes, as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.