NC abandons plan to give pink-striped driver's licenses to some illegal immigrants

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina is abandoning a plan to give pink-striped driver's licenses to certain illegal immigrants.

The pink licenses drew criticism from some who said it stigmatized immigrants.

Transportation Department spokesman Mike Charbonneau said Thursday that the state opted against the pink licenses because the computer and printing coding is easier if the licenses are the same as those for other drivers.

The state will begin issuing licenses Monday to young adults brought to the U.S. as children without legal authorization. Under an Obama administration program, they now qualify for work permits.

The licenses still say "NO LAWFUL STATUS."