Updated

A group of Connecticut religious congregations is calling on state officials to allow illegal immigrants to get drivers' licenses and register their vehicles.

About 200 activists are expected to attend the launching of a campaign to enact state legislation on expanded access to licenses. The gathering is set for Sunday afternoon at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in New Haven.

Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut say about 54,000 Connecticut residents who must drive to work or take children to school cannot get licenses because they are in the U.S. illegally.

Advocates say allowing immigrants to obey drivers' license laws will improve safety on the roads because the immigrant motorists' driving skills will be tested and they will have to buy car insurance.