Locals lobby for illegal immigrants to receive driver's licenses

Dodge City Daily Globe ^ | January 28, 2004 | Basil Hernandez

[yonif]

Forty-nine road-weary people returned from Topeka on Tuesday after lobbying to pass a law that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain temporary drivers licenses.

Sister Maria Rea, of the Passionist order, was among the contingent that left the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 4:15 a.m.

The chartered bus, provided by Sunflower Community Action of Wichita, arrived at Assumption Church in Topeka about five hours later. There the Dodge City group joined others for a march of 1,000-strong on the nearby capitol in frigid temperatures.

At the Statehouse they were greeted by an assistant to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. They eventually witnessed the Senate Judiciary Committee discussing the issue.

"Driving without a license is always a risk," Rea said in Spanish. "For us it's important to count on a driver's license."

The controversial proposal would allow temporary licenses to undocumented immigrants and be readily distinguishable.

Proponents of the law claim that it would increase public safety by allowing all drivers to be registered and to drive insured vehicles.

Critics believe that it would provide legal status to immigrants who are here illegally.

"Having a license we believe that we also have to be responsible ... and respect the laws," Rea said. "Also it's necessary because living in this country you need to go to all places. School. Work. Shopping."

Rea reported that the lobbying effort appeared to go well.

The Kansas House approved the proposed bill last year but the chances of it passing the Senate are doubtful, said Melinda Lewis.

Lewis, special projects coordinator for El Centro of Kansas City, has led a state-wide effort in favor of the law.

The Catholic Church has also joined the effort.

"I believe the Catholic Church is in solidarity with all people who have a necessity," Rea said in Spanish. "I think the Catholic Church and other churches are called to support their people."

In addition, Rea cited the financial support of many businesses.

"I think it is important .. for us as Hispanics that we start taking it in our consciousness that we are in a free country," Rea said.

[henderson field]

Tell them to get an international drver's license. They can get one in Mexico City.

[Marine Inspector]

"Driving without a license is always a risk,"

Hello McFly, having a driver’s license does not make you a better driver.

Marine Inspector

[Marine Inspector]

Ping.

[Republicus2001]

why can't these people just use their Mexican license? They are perfectly legal in the States...

[WayneM]

"I think it is important .. for us as Hispanics that we start taking it in our consciousness that we are in a free country," Rea said.

"I think it is important .. for you illegal immigrants to start taking in in your consciousness that your are in a country that does not belong to you. When a guest, especially an uninvited guest, in someone else's home, you shouldn't feel as if you have the right to make the rules," WayneM said.

[goldstategop]

How come Americans are second-class citizens in their own country. This type of pandering would been unheard of decades ago. Heck, let's give em the keys to the country while we're at it; why stop with drivers' licenses?

[gubamyster]

ping

[lilylangtree]

Stupid jerks! What part of "illegal" don't these people understand? "Illegal" means against the law. These criminals should be deported ASAP.

[Lady Eileen]

LOL

[Prime Choice]

Heck, let's give em the keys to the country while we're at it; why stop with drivers' licenses?

Vicente Fox has already been presented with the keys to several American cities. And rest assured that the Leftists won't stop with drivers' licenses...

[cinFLA]

Tell them to get an international drver's license. They can get one in Mexico City.

An international dl is good only if your home country dl is valid AND is good only for short-term use.

[quack]

"Having a license we believe that we also have to be responsible ... and respect the laws,"

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!I can't believe this was actually said.

[Shermy]

Tell them to get an international drver's license.

Can't take away American citizen's driving/trucking jobs with that one.

[Mamzelle]

You know, I'm beginning to think that about the only thing that can be done, considering the lack of political will to enforce immigration, is--

--to raise income taxes on the lower-income groups--perhaps an "entry-level job" tax. At least the illegals could start to help pay for the stresses on social services they cause.

[EagleMamaMT]

DING...DING...DING... We have a winner!

[FITZ]

Yes --- since they're so "ambitious and hard-working", why are they demanding free college and affirmative-action to make admissions easier for them. I never see white American kids demanding or getting affirmative action, and to pay for college they work their way through or their parents saved money up for them.

[Mamzelle]

Just read in the AtJC this week about scholarships granted in Georgia for illegals.