Spouses of international students who had previously been denied the ability to obtain drivers’ licenses are now able to do so for a short period of time, thanks to the diligent work of Leo Zulu, a member of the Graduate Employees Organization’s bargaining team. Below is a letter that he sent to the Director of the UIUC Office of International Student Affairs summarizing this achievement.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this temporary solution you should act quickly to take advantage of it, since, until there is a permanent solution, there is only a 60 day time window. Please pass along this e-mail to others as well.
For more information, please contact the GEO office at geo@uigeo.org or 344-8283.
From: Leo Zulu
Date: Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003
To: Ivor Emmanuel
Dear Dr. Emmanuel, Director, OISA:
Last year I came to your office to explain how the discontinuation of the provision that allowed dependents on F2 visas (at least) to obtain drivers licenses in the state of Illinois was adversely affecting my life here as an international student with family and two children, and to seek your assistance. You said that there was very little you could do to help. Since then I, have pursued the matter in various ways, including writing letters to the Secretary of State, the Governor, four Illinois congressmen and one senator for the area, explaining the effect of this effective ban on drivers licenses for my wife, and others in my situation. I also asked my American friends (registered voters) to call and write the same political leaders, took the matter up with the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) which graciously joined in the letter-writing drive, and finally I joined the GEO who joined forces with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (similarly affected, I think on the H2 visa) to present a petition at Congressman Johnson’s office.
Last Friday, congressman Johnson’s office called me and told me that they had found a temporary solution to the problem. Starting Monday April 7, they would allow people on dependent visas who are not allowed to get social security numbers and therefore cannot get a license, to obtain social security numbers for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license, but only for a narrow window of 60 days. They are doing this while they are looking for a more lasting solution. Those affected must call the Secretary of State at the number (217) 782-7044, and book their driving tests.
They said that they would try as much as they can to publicize this information, but due to time constraint, asked me to pass this along to those that I know are affected. I know that there are many international students who are in my situation, and that if your office has not already received this information, you are the right organization to pass this information on to international students. Your office may wish to call this number first to check for yourself and get more details, before you communicate to other students.
Thanking you in advance.
Leo Zulu
Geography