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FR Exclusive: Jeb answers questions about his support of drivers licenses for undocumented workers
Jeb's emails to FR poster, summer | April 6, 2004 | Jeb Bush

Posted on 04/06/2004 6:58:21 PM PDT by summer

Note to FR, from summer:

FYI -- I am posting here below: (1) an email I sent to Gov Bush today, (2) his email response to me, and (3) another email response he directed to me, and you, from his office.

As most people here know (because I wrote about it at length on FR), I previously had a long dialogue with Gov Bush about education, via email. And, at times, I have emailed him about issues of concern to people on FR.

Consequently, this is another exclusive for you.

summer

-----------------------------------------------

Email #1, from me to Gov Bush, today:

-----Original Message-----

From: [summer]
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 3:11 PM
To: Jeb Bush
Subject: FR person's fax to you

FR Person's fax to you

Gov Bush, I'm sending a copy of this to you, as suggested in the headline, so that if you want to respond online, to the people reading it, let me know and I will post it for you. [summer]


---------------

Email #2, from Gov Bush to me, in response to above:

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeb Bush
To: [summer]
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 6:54 PM
Subject: RE: FR person's fax to you

[summer], I will get [my office] to respond to you.

Jeb


----------------------------------------

Email #3, directed by Gov Bush to me and you, from his office, to all here:

----- Original Message -----

From: [Gov Bush's office]
To: 'Jeb Bush'; [summer]
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 7:25 PM
Subject: RE: FR person's fax to you

[summer] --

I hope the below Q&A is helpful. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best,

[Gov Bush's office]

------------------------------------------

Florida Safe Driving Act

[1] Why give driver licenses to undocumented aliens?

Florida has no power over immigration and naturalization issues, but it does have a duty to protect the safety of its citizens. Allowing Florida’s more than 400,000 illegal aliens to obtain a driver license under very strict conditions will increase safety on our roads and highways. It will boost compliance with Florida’s auto registration and insurance laws.

Also, a separate provision in the bill makes it easier for people with visas to renew their Florida driver licenses. Many individuals from outside the country visit Florida annually for an extended period of time. The new law allows them to renew their licenses every two years, rather than having it automatically expire every time they leave the country.

[2]Why wouldn’t the state just deport the aliens once they have verified their identity?

Under Federal law, no state has the power to deport anyone; it is exclusively the domain of the Federal government.

[3]What does the bill require?

This bill creates some of the highest verification standards in the country. It has more than 15 requirements for approval, and it requires the consulates to provide the applicant’s documentation to the state of Florida.

Aliens would be required to:

Ø show an identification card with digital image that has been produced with standards that would prevent counterfeiting;

Ø provide a second form of identification;

Ø submit fingerprints to the state; and

Ø agree to a criminal background check from their country of origin, the state of Florida and the United States.

The bill creates a mechanism for Florida to work with foreign consulates to approve a stringent means by which to verify the alien’s identity and ensure the consulate is not issuing a duplicate ID. Any consulate that cannot meet these verification standards will not be able to participate in the program.

Among the requirements consulates must show:

Ø documentation that the applicant has not been convicted, or is wanted of a crime equal to a felony in his home country;

Ø a certified copy of the applicant’s official driving record from home country;

Ø certification that the form of identification is legitimate;

Ø certification that the underlying documents used to issue identification are legitimate; and

Ø certification that the home country has security system in place to prevent multiple issuance of identification cards to the same individual.

[4] Who does this bill not apply to?

Aliens from countries on the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism are prohibited from applying, as are those who are subject to an order of deportation. Felons cannot apply nor can aliens who cannot establish presence in the state for at least six months in the past five years.

[5] How does this differ from California law?

First, California law did not exclude applicants from the list of countries maintained by the U.S. Department of State as state sponsors of terrorism. In addition, California did not require state and national criminal background checks, nor did it provide procedures in conjunction with foreign consulates to verify identity and criminal backgrounds with an applicant’s home country.

[6] Where will the licenses be valid?

The licenses are valid in Florida only, for two years. They will have a distinct look from standard driver licenses.

[7]How will the bill be implemented?

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be responsible for adopting stringent procedures and coordinating with the consulates to ensure verifications of identity and background history of aliens. Consulates will have to provide certifications of the processes they have in place to establish identity of their citizens who apply. If a consulate does not meet these standards, their citizens will be prohibited from applying.

[8]What are the benefits of issuing the licenses?

First and foremost, this bill promotes safety by requiring that aliens pass driving tests before they get on the road. It will also boost compliance with Florida’s auto registration and insurance laws. Increasing the number of insured drivers is an enormous benefit to all on the road. Currently, a licensed driver who gets into an auto accident with an unlicensed alien has no means to recover damages against the uninsured alien.

There are also law enforcement benefits; a database of licensed drivers helps law enforcement verify the identity of a driver who is pulled over. Unlicensed, undocumented aliens currently are not part of this database.


TOPICS: Extended News; Government; News/Current Events; US: California; US: Florida; US: New York; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: aliens; driverlicenses; fl; illegals; immigrantlist; immigration; jebbush; safetyno; turass
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To: Tailgunner Joe
Good questions all but threy'll no longer be "criminal" aliens.

To get a Florida license/insurance you'll also need a SS card. Bush says it will only be good in Florida. Since he can't enforce federal law, how can he dictate what's legal in other states? Other states could step up and honor illegal Florida licenses and even transfer them.

Florida license + SS card = backdoor amnesty...Period.

161 posted on 04/07/2004 8:53:37 AM PDT by lewislynn (Free traders know it isn't , they just believe cheap popcorn makers raises their living standards.)
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To: Tailgunner Joe
Good questions all but they'll no longer be "criminal" aliens.

To get a Florida license/insurance you'll also need a SS card. Bush says it will only be good in Florida. Since he can't enforce federal law, how can he dictate what's legal in other states? Other states could step up and honor illegal Florida licenses and even transfer them.

Florida license + SS card = backdoor amnesty...Period.

162 posted on 04/07/2004 8:54:05 AM PDT by lewislynn (Free traders know it isn't , they just believe cheap popcorn makers raises their living standards.)
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To: summer
This is interesting, in that it means that any ILLEGAL alien would be immediately identified by their DL. It is often now impossible to identify an arestee as illegal.


Bellow are the current rules:

Obtaining Your Florida
Driver's License or Identification Card

  Where to Write for Vital Records





United States Citizens

Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number (if issued) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued. Each U.S. citizen who applies for an original driver license or identification card must submit:

One of the following (3) documents:

  1. Original or certified United States birth certificate, including territories and District of Columbia; or
  2. Valid United States passport; or
  3. Certificate of Naturalization
  4. Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.
  5. NOTE: Proof of citizenship or legal presence may be required for renewal, duplicate or replacement licenses. Please come prepared to present one of the above identification documents as proof of citizenship or legal presence.

And a secondary document, which substantiates the primary document, is required. Document may include, but is not limited to, the original or certified copy of one of the following:

  1. School record stating date of birth, which must contain the registrar’s signature.
  2. Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officer charged with the duty of recording certificates.
  3. Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and the place of baptism.
  4. An insurance policy on the customer’s life which has been in force for at least two years and has the month, day and year of birth.
  5. United States military or military dependent identification card.
    • Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.
  6. Florida or out-of-state driver license, valid or expired.
  7. Florida license record or identification card record.
  8. Selective Service Registration (Draft Card).
  9. Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner’s copy) obtained from the tax collector’s office where the customer’s vehicle was registered, Florida, or out-of-state registration certificate, if name and date of birth are shown.
  10. Florida and out-of-state non-driver identification cards (state issued).
  11. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance.
  12. Immigration form I-571.
  13. Federal form DD-214 (military record).
  14. Marriage certificate.
  15. Court order, which includes legal name.
  16. A Florida voter registration card, which was issued at least 3 months previously.
  17. Personal identification by an examiner or by a person well known to the examiner.
  18. Social Security Card.
  19. Family bible record or birth announcement in baby book.
  20. Parent consent form of minor.
  21. Out-of-country driver license or identification card, government issued

United States Citizens With Out-of-State Licenses

Any person who holds a license or identification card from the District of Columbia, United States Territories or one of our 50 states (with the exception of those listed below) may present his/her license or ID card as primary identification document. An approved secondary identification document is also required. A social security number, if issued, MUST be included on the application.

Important Note: Driver licenses from the following states

Alaska
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
  North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

are acceptable as secondary identification and to reciprocate driving privileges, and must be accompanied by one of the following:

  1. Original or certified United States birth certificate (including territories and District of Columbia)
  2. Valid United States passport (not expired)
  3. Certificate of Naturalization.
  4. Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.

Name Change for United States Citizens

If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.




Non-United States Citizens

Original Driver License or Identification Card Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number (if issued) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued.

Immigrants
Each immigrant who applies for an original driver license or identification card must submit:

  1. Alien Registration receipt card, (Green card, Form I-151 or I-551); or
  2. I-551 stamp in passport or on I-94; or
  3. Immigration Judges Order, with the customer's A-number, granting asylum; or
  4. I-797, with the customer's A-number, stating the customer has been granted asylum; or
  5. I-797 or another form from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the customer's A-number, stating the customer's application for Refugee status is approved; or

Non-Immigrants

Each non-immigrant who applies for an original driver license or identification card must submit:

  1. Employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Justice (Form I688B or I-766); or
  2. Proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by United States Department of Justice (Form I-94, not expired, with required supporting attachment(s). If in doubt regarding required documents, please bring all of your INS documentation with you.). I-94s must be accompanied by a Passport. Certain classifications require additional documentation. Some examples are:
    • F-1 and M-1 classification must also be accompanied by an I-20.
    • I J-1 or J-2 designation must be accompanied by an IAP-66.
    • Refugee, asylee and parolee classifications must be accompanied by additional documentation.

The following documents will only be accepted with a supporting document, including but not limited to a Passport, Florida Driver License or Identification Card, Driver License from any other state, Employment Authorization Card, Employer Identification, Identification from home country, Identification from school or college, Social Security Card or other INS document.

  1. I-571 Travel Document/Refugee Travel Permit
  2. I-512 Parole Letter Accepted
  3. IJO- Asylum or Cancellation of Removal - Immigration Judges Order granting Asylum or Cancellation of Removal.
    • All required and supporting documents MUST be original or certified.
    • Documents must be valid for more than 30 days from the date of issuance.
    • Non-U.S. citizens applying for an original driver license will be issued a 30-day, no photo, paper temporary permit and a receipt. Non-U.S. citizens applying for an identification card will be issued a receipt.
    • All records are transmitted to our database in Tallahassee, where the information will be examined and run against FDLE, FBI and INS databases.
    • Upon identity and legal status verification, a driver license or identification card will be issued within 30 days from Tallahassee, mailed to the address on the driver record. The license or identification card will be issued for the period of time specified on the INS document.
    • If a problem is detected, a denial of issuance letter will be mailed to the customer.

Canadian Citizens

Under federal law, Canadian citizens are non-immigrants and are allowed to stay in the U.S. without obtaining INS documentation. Canadians without INS documents must provide proof of Canadian citizenship to be issued a Florida driver license or identification card by presenting two of the following documents:

  1. Canadian passport
  2. Canadian driver license
  3. Original or certified Canadian birth certificate
  4. Canadian Naturalization Certificate

All Canadian citizens will be issued an original or renewal driver license for two calendar years from the date of issue.

If you are not a Canadian citizen and have a Canadian driver license, you are required to provide the same proof of legal presence as any other non-U.S. citizen.

Renewals, Duplicates or Replacements for Non-United States Citizens

  • Any immigrant holding a driver license or identification card who needs a renewal, duplicate or replacement driver license or identification card must apply in person at a driver license office at least one time after March 1, 2002, and re-present his/her identification documents required by Florida law.
  • Any non-immigrant holding a driver license or identification card who needs a renewal, duplicate, or replacement driver license or identification card must apply in person at a driver license office and present identification and legal presence documents.
  • If you do not have the required documents showing legal presence, your driver license or identification card will be retained and a receipt issued. If you have an unexpired driver license, you will be issued a 30-day temporary permit. When you return with the required documentation, you will be processed for a renewal, duplicate or replacement license and the expiration date will be changed to the expiration date on your INS document.

Name Change for Non-United States Citizens

  • If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must have your name changed on your CIS documents. A receipt from CIS indicating form I-90 has been filed for a name change is acceptable for a name change on your driver license or identification card.
  • Canadian Citizens: If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must have your name changed on your Canadian license, and/or passport before applying for a name change on your driver license or identification card.

 


HOME | Driver License | Tag & Title | Highway Patrol | Email Us | Phones | Search


163 posted on 04/07/2004 9:01:32 AM PDT by longtermmemmory (Vote!)
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To: summer
Under Federal law, no state has the power to deport anyone; it is exclusively the domain of the Federal government.

Typical copout. They could always arrest them and turn them over to the INS, but apparently that is too hard.

Ø agree to a criminal background check from their country of origin, the state of Florida and the United States.

So Cuba would agree to this?? I think not!

They will have a distinct look from standard driver licenses.

Good, but will not last.

The problem with all this, that anyone who can qualify for this, probably already has a driver's license issued by his home country and does not need one issued by Florida.

164 posted on 04/07/2004 9:16:36 AM PDT by NathanR (California Si! Aztlan NO!)
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To: JohnHuang2
Bump!
165 posted on 04/07/2004 9:31:16 AM PDT by Alamo-Girl (Glad to be a monthly contributor to Free Republic!)
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To: summer
"Granted, it is not possible to round them up and deport each one of them,..."

Why is that? Why cede that point?
Are you saying we cannot enforce our laws because the law-breakers are too numerous?

On a separate topic:
Why on earth would Gov. Bush think a "criminal background check" conducted by e.g. Mexico would accomplish ANYthing whatsoever?
How out of touch with reality can the man possibly be?

166 posted on 04/07/2004 9:39:31 AM PDT by Redbob
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To: summer
One more question - how much in campaign contributions did Jeb get from companies/individuals that employ illegals?
Is there a connection to campaign contributors and Jeb's 'looking the other way'?
167 posted on 04/07/2004 9:39:49 AM PDT by familyofman
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To: ambrose
He isn't saying anything that wasn't said previously by Gray Davis.

As usual, we in Cal have already been through this kind of garbage, with our own government socialist. It's no different, all the same government agenda. Except California's hung Gray Davis from a political rope, ending his political life in total disgrace.

The problem here is, this guy is a Republican. So your going to get hear from those that try and bend and support this thing and tell how it's good for us now.

These are the same people that routinely put their beltway party before country.

The lunatics are finally in charge of the asylum.

And I feel like Charlton Heston in the Planet of the Apes.

168 posted on 04/07/2004 9:40:48 AM PDT by Joe Hadenuf (I failed anger management class, they decided to give me a passing grade anyway)
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To: summer
Thank you for posting this e-mail from Jeb.

Whether we agree or disagree with him, we are better informed by reading her personal take on this issue.

I personally disagree with him on this bill, but I appreciate reading the reasoning behind his decision.

Once again, thank you for doing the right thing and requesting from information from the governor personally.

Friends can disagree, but they always talk to each other.

169 posted on 04/07/2004 9:45:48 AM PDT by george wythe
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To: george wythe
we are better informed by reading her his personal take on this issue.
170 posted on 04/07/2004 9:47:15 AM PDT by george wythe
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To: ErnBatavia
Thanks Summer...I'll have to absorb this a little later and compare with the similar situation with Arnold out here in California.

Let me help you. The politicos in Cal attempted to pander to criminal illegal aliens by giving them legitimate drivers licenses, they may still get away with it. As their *clear* goal is to undermine our sovereignty and our borders. And they are doing a darn good job of it. Look at the landscape. Politicos all over the country are offering reduced tuition, welfare, food stamps, driver's licenses, all on the bending backs of the tax payers.

Now the Republican governor in Florida is doing the same thing. As your absorbing this, you'll realize it's a complete sellout.

171 posted on 04/07/2004 9:48:17 AM PDT by Joe Hadenuf (I failed anger management class, they decided to give me a passing grade anyway)
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To: baseballmom
"Do you think it is possible to deport 10 million people?"

Absolutely!
They came here, didn't they?

Maybe not by luxury jet airliner: might have to press a few cattlecars into service.

"...his wife somehow goofed up the red tape.

What some people call "red tape," other folks call "laws."
Some of us try to abide by them.

172 posted on 04/07/2004 9:49:15 AM PDT by Redbob
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To: summer
What will be the penalty for Illegals caught driving without the special permits, once this law goes into effect?

Pretty stiff penalties don't keep Drunk Drivers from going right on driving after their licenses have been suspended.

The states do have their hands tied on this problem. Maybe the states can enact laws that allow them to deport illegal aliens to DC. Since the Feds. are unwilling to do their duty,let them live with the problem.

Thanks, Summer, for getting thiis info for us.
173 posted on 04/07/2004 10:40:36 AM PDT by F.J. Mitchell (Credibility could be deemed as disreputable, depending upon the nuance of the deemer.)
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To: azhenfud
My question is, how will this benefit the invaders or the citizens? Why would they want to get this "license" when all it will do is cost them in insurance, Vehicle maintenance in order to pass requirements?
In other words, why pay for it when you can get it for free?
If im missing something here, please advise me -
Or, as I stated on another thread, this would make a great sting operation where law enforcement (INS) can can easily arrest and deport anyone applying for this sham license.
174 posted on 04/07/2004 11:48:21 AM PDT by SealSeven
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To: Tailgunner Joe
4. Will criminal aliens be able to use these I.D.'s to illegally register to vote?

I don't believe these people should have any rights but Motor Voter is a big issue with me.

If they get on the voter rolls we'll have Speedy Gonzales in the White House.

175 posted on 04/07/2004 11:54:27 AM PDT by Brownie74
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To: summer
still nothing stating the need for them to speak English! But, good going. Continue to fight the good fight!
176 posted on 04/07/2004 12:03:05 PM PDT by beachn4fun (I donated to FR......have you? .........Welcome Home to all of our returning Heroes.)
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To: SealSeven
I think your concern is similar to mine as stated in my post #44.

Unless it is for a sting operation, there's little chance it'll help the situation, but an extreme probability Illegaliens will take it as THEIR victory over OUR LAW.
177 posted on 04/07/2004 12:06:57 PM PDT by azhenfud ("He who is always looking up seldom finds others' lost change...")
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To: summer
Thanks for posting!

Bookmarked to read later..
178 posted on 04/07/2004 12:24:52 PM PDT by Freedom2specul8 (Please pray for our troops.... http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/)
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To: Law
LOL Always a bright side, eh? ;)
179 posted on 04/07/2004 1:21:52 PM PDT by Libertina (FRee Republic - What have you done for her lately? CONTRIBUTE 5 or 10!)
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To: baseballmom
Do you think it is possible to deport 10 million people? I don't think it is possible.

We can't do it in a week, but we can certainly do it...

180 posted on 04/07/2004 1:37:57 PM PDT by Iscool
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