STOCKTON, Calif. -- A plan to put the letter "I" on the driver's licenses of illegal immigrants is drawing heated debate.

Immigrant rights groups say that it's nothing more than a "scarlet letter." Others argue that illegal immigrants shouldn't be getting licenses in the first place.

The bill wouldn't allow every illegal immigrant to obtain a California driver's license, just those who have applied with the Immigration Naturalization Service to obtain legal status. It would help about one million people, but it's estimated that two million immigrants are driving without a license or insurance in the state.

Outside a Stockton DMV office Monday, people held up signs, shouted slogans and asked for signatures on a petition.

They were seeking support to allow immigrants to obtain California driver's licenses, immigrants who are not yet legal residents but who have applied with the INS.

"This is for our safety. When I am driving down the street, I want to be sure the person driving on my side has insurance, and they know how to drive in California," said Lionel Flores, spokesman for the Coalition for Immigrant Rights.

Last year, the legislature approved such a bill, AB-60. But the Assembly's chief clerk pulled the bill before the governor could sign or veto the law.

"The only way a bill can be pulled from the governor's desk is if the legislature votes to reconsider. This wasn't done. So when 30 days passed, the bill became law," said Sarah Mercer, spokeswoman for the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund.

The DMV did not implement the law. So the Defense and Education Fund is suing the DMV to make them comply. Meanwhile, the law is in limbo.

"The bill right now is in the hands of the legislature and the governor's office. DMV cannot take a position either way," said Armando Botello, spokesman for the DMV.

Some law enforcement officials want the licenses of immigrant drivers to be marked or the license plates to carry an "I" to show their designation. Critics say that it would lead to discrimination.

"I don't believe they should have a different license, a license that would make them feel less or second class citizens," said Marco Contreras, spokesman for the Racial Justice Coalition.