A study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles showed that unlicensed drivers are the most hazardous people behind the wheel and are almost three times as likely to cause a deadly accident.

Immigration-rights advocate Albert Leno told KFOX14 he believes the study shows it would be safer for the public when undocumented people can receive a driver's license. New Mexico and Washington are the only states with such a law.

Leno relies on his wife, Angelica, to drive because he is disabled, and Angelica is undocumented.

"This way, they have insurance and a driver's license to confront their mistakes," Leno said. "Otherwise we run the risk of a hit-and-run."

Opponents said national security is at risk when undocumented people are given state drivers' licenses because they can be used as a valid form of identification in places including airports.

Gov. Susana Martinez wants to repeal the law in New Mexico.

"That's making them live in the shadows," Leno said. 

The California DMV didn't take a stand on the issue of allowing undocumented immigrants to drive and instead recommended impounding the cars of unlicensed drivers.