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Paperwork Will Create Lengthy Process For Illegal Immigrants Seeking California Driver's Licenses

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Thousands of undocumented immigrants, eligible to receive California driver's licenses under the president's deferred action program, are being told the process could take several months. Local immigrant advocates are calling the issue discouraging.

To get a California drivers license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) said young undocumented immigrants qualifying for the Obama administration's deportation reprieve must first get an Employment Authorization Document, which takes 60-90 days - then a Social Security card, which takes another 60 to 90 days.

Oakland Community Organizations leader Manuel Arias said the wait is too long and has been helping with local forums held to guide applicants through the deferred action process.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

He said young people often need their driver's license to get to work and he'd been hopeful the process would be smoother.

"It is confusing. We thought everything was going to be okay because they said they would issue driver's licenses for them,"

The office of Los Angeles Assemblyman Gil Cedillo is preparing language for a bill to clarify the deferred action driver's license issue.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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