lifehouse51

I still remember my young days (Oops maybe shouldn't say that, as I still haven't hit 30 yet ), when you can use a state DL to go through airport, rent cars, buy alcohol, prove identity when using credit cards, without the fear of being looked down upon due to citizenship status. Those days are going, going, gone...

aussie_best

In next 60 years, they will clearly mark/reserve the breathing air 99% for citizens and 1% for aliens..... Even in those times the priority dates for EB-3 will be 60 years behind.

Brit3964

I seem to remember reading that some DMVs do have the ability to link up with the USCIS/SSA computers. It's just that often they are too lazy or busy to go and look.

These new temporary DLs in themselves aren't discriminatory but it's now made easier for authorities or commercial operators to discriminate if they so wish as some are now finding out. The 1990s seem a loong way away sadly. Fortress America now rules.

Bluegrass Lass

Are you being sarcastic? If I'm taking a domestic flight, all I ever use is my state-issued driver's license..and I defo use a DL for everything else you mention.

meauxna

I think it was 'the fear of being looked down upon due to citizenship status' that has changed..

Bluegrass Lass

Ahh. Ok.

chartreuse

Except, with the entire back wall missing, the "Fortress America" mentality begins to look more like a form of mental illness...

Brit3964

Especially if you're in AZ!

lisa67

I was in a Drs. office today and the receptionist wanted to see my ID. I duly handed over my TX DL..."oh, are you only visiting? that could be a problem..."
10 mins later I managed to convince her that I've lived here legally for 10 years and I don't plan on going anywhere <sigh>

lifehouse51

Yep that illustrates my point. Most people won't know the different immigration visas/statuses unless they have dealt with the issues themselves, know people who do, or work in a related government agency or law firm. If you talk to a naturalized U.S. citizen/PR, he/she may be sympathetic/understanding when you show the DL. This won't be the case for the majority of the public laymen.

Plus immigration status shouldn't affect your ability to get care at a physician's office. A lot of times they ask you to either pay full up front, or provide health insurance info then bill you whatever you need to pay later.

lisa67

Exactly...I'd already handed over my insurance details etc. The irony is that the receptionist's name is Maria Jose !!

chartreuse

That's not ironic. In TX, it's possible to be the wrong kind of foreign.

lisa67

certainly is!

Bluegrass Lass

Why would it even matter what your status is as long as you have insurance? That just seems nuts that your status even matters! As long as you have insurance, they know they are getting paid so what's the big deal?

tigerbaywarrior

It's the 'temporary' part they have a problem with.....