Posted on 01/18/2011 4:51:44 PM PST by moonshinner_09
Two D.C. Council members have introduced a bill to allow drivers' licenses to be issued to residents who cannot provide a Social Security number, which could make it easier for undocumented immigrants to get around the city.
The bill, sponsored by Council members Phil Mendelson (D-At large) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), could reopen the debate over illegal immigration in a city long known for its lenient policies on the issue. But the bill, which failed to draw any co-sponsors, could face an uphill struggle to win approval in the 13-member body.
Currently, according to Mendelson, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires an applicant for a drivers license to supply a Social Security number. Under his legislation, Mendelson said the DMV could still ask for it, but would not be allowed to deny an application for a license if someone fails to provide one.
Mendelson said the legislation was spurred by one of his constituents, who he says is a legal resident who does not have or want a Social Security number.
"I have a guy who comes into my office who doesn't want a Social Security number for whatever reason," Mendelson said. "There are a number of people who don't have Social Security numbers."
But when pressed by a reporter, Mendelson and Graham concede the bill could also force the District into the national debate over illegal immigration. They argue their proposal would bring out of the shadows undocumented immigrants who are already driving on District streets.
"Immigration laws should be enforced by the federal government," Mendelson said. "If in fact someone is here illegally and the federal government hasn't figured that out, I don't want them driving without a drivers license."
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
Will they be driving cabs then?
Have you ever been to WDC? They already are driving cabs!
SSN is not an ID number. It should not be used to get a drivers license.
It's a fairly simple procedure to acquire a temporary license to drive a vehicle, as an acknowledged foreign visitor/foreign resident alien.
No, I did not get the same type license a citizen of Germany held.
I had an international visitor drivers license, issued by Germany, confirming I passed their tests to drive in their country.
It was a piece of paper, that along with my home state USA drivers license, allowed me to legally drive in Germany, for a limited time period.
Quite frankly, I bought a car for my fiance (another legal foreigner, temporarily residing in Germany) to drive, six months before I even tried to get a license to drive in Germany.
Narrow streets, high speeds...not a situation designed for a timid, defensive driver...
I eventually gathered the courage to drive a vehicle in several nations.
None of them would have considered me a legal immigrant, based upon my piece of paper allowing me to drive a vehicle on their roads.
When does one need an ‘International visitor drivers license?’ I’ve rented cars in a couple of places (Costa Rica and Italy) and have never been asked for one but used my US license. (Lived in Germany for a year but never needed to drive) Similarly I’ve known people in the US who used their home country license with no problem. Isn’t there some sort of reciprocity agreement with most nations?
so a legal resident who didn’t have to register with Selective Service ? DC has public transit. Let them take that and stay off the roads *I* and my kids have to drive on.
Ping!
There may be agreements between nations for temporary visitors, I really don’t know.
I was required to obtain one, many years ago, while stationed in Germany.I needed the license to buy a car and obtain the required insurance for it.
I have never rented a car in a foreign country, so I don’t know what requirements are involved.
Making an educated guess, I assume you paid the rental car agency an additional fee for their insurance.
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