CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is thanking members of the Illinois Legislature for approving legislation allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

The House approved the bill on Monday afternoon. It now heads Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who has said he will sign the legislation.

Emanuel says the bill means all Illinois residents will be able to get a driver's license "regardless of their immigration status." The mayor says the measure will make Illinois roads safer and made the state more welcoming to immigrants.