Only three states — New Mexico, Utah and Washington — currently issue licenses without proof of legal residence in the United States. Many states have adopted tough new laws to prevent illegal immigrants from driving, while expanding immigration enforcement by the state and local police.

The New York Times' study finds that immigrants who choose to drive in the United States assume substantial legal risks and because they cannot have driver's licenses their risks in accidents are much greater than those of citizens and residents.

Julia Preston and Robert Gebeloff, Unlicensed Drivers Who Risk More Than a Fine, New York Times, December 10, 2010, Page A1.