SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Non-U.S. citizens in Illinois said they have been unable to use the state's website and hotline, set up for illegal immigrants who want to apply for a license.
The state opened up the site and hotline as part of its program to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants if they purchase insurance and comply with other requirements.
Although the immigrants will be unable to apply for the license until Dec. 3, hopeful drivers have not been able to use the website to book an application appointment, the Chicago Tribune reported.
About 4,200 appointments in the next 90 days were available at four sites when the website and hotline opened Tuesday as part of a test for the program.
The slots were taken by 3 p.m. Tuesday. The program was to be expanded in December.
"I don't know what's going on, and it's getting frustrating because it's not just me," said Luis Cepeda, 37, a Mexican national who was unable to book an appointment. "They knew how many people were going to apply."
Secretary of State Jesse White's office has urged residents to have patience.
"We're the largest state in the nation to do this. It's never been done before in the state of Illinois," said Henry Haupt, a spokesman for White's office. "So look at the flip side, for us not to do a pilot phase to allow us to test how everything works, I think, would be irresponsible of us."
