A proposal introduced in the Florida Legislature seeks to require that certain driver’s licenses include a visible special marker printed on the front of the card.

The bill states that licenses would display an ‘NC’ (non-citizen) marker for holders who are not U.S. citizens.

Supporters of the measure say the label would help prevent voter fraud and make identification easier. However, immigration attorneys and civil rights advocates warn it could become a tool for discrimination, even against individuals who are legally residing in the country.

Immigration attorney Ana Mendieta explained that the marker would be clearly visible on the front of the license, which, in her opinion, could stigmatize those who are not U.S. citizens.

“That’s a mark of discrimination, a mark that says you’re different from the rest of the people,” Mendieta said.

The attorney also warned that the proposal does not differentiate between undocumented individuals and those with lawful immigration status, such as students, investors, or permanent residents.

“What if I’m a student, or an investor, or a resident — but I’ll be treated as less because I’m a noncitizen?” the legal expert asked.

Another concern is how the label could affect everyday interactions with law enforcement, potentially opening the door to additional questioning during a traffic stop — even when the individual holds a valid license and legal documents.

Officials have clarified that Florida already has strict mechanisms in place to verify citizenship before allowing someone to register to vote.

Collier County Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier explained that the process includes the review of documents such as birth certificates and Social Security numbers, as well as cross-checking information with state and federal databases.

Election officials stress that maintaining accurate voter rolls is an ongoing responsibility and that this process is already conducted without relying on driver’s license markings.

If the measure is approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor, it would take effect in July.

This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC 6 editor reviewed the translation.