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

[azhenfud]

It's a shame I can't type faster. Re: my #37 - you and I must be seeing the same holes in "the plan".

[ETERNAL WARMING]

I do agree on the insurance angle.. if this helps get uninsured drivers insured, that would be a good thing for all of us.


They can't afford insurance on their wages. So what's next? Picking our pockets once again for a new insurance subsidy?

Get real, Jeb.

[Libertina]

So we will design, set up and produce special ID for people wo have broken the law, and we will know who they are each time they show ID, but then everyone ignores it and goes about their business... odd. I understand that troublesome issues are being addressed in part, but if we got rid of the main issue, wouldn't lots of the troublesome ancillary problems disappear?

[azhenfud]

That's a good reply, but honestly, would you think they'll "jump through" these new hoops to spend money on auto insurance? documents? taxes? fees? when they've avoided the existing ones for so long?

By not doing anything for so long, my guess is many will opt for the cheaper way out.

BTW, who's implying these have a shot at citizenship by obtaining a DL? is that part of "the plan"?

[summer]

but if we got rid of the main issue, wouldn't lots of the troublesome ancillary problems disappear?

My main question is somewhat along those lines, in that I am disturbed by seeing people having to pick fruit all day for a living, when we have machines that can do much of that work. Couldn't we build more of those machines, affording some people better jobs, and thereby lessen this dependency on illegal undocumented workers, especially in this new age of terrorism?

[summer]

Re your post #44 - Good questions, all. Thanks.

[baltodog]

Illegal is illegal.

Let's start registering murderers and rapists instead of following through with justice. As long as they are registered, I don't see why there should be any problems.

What is the point of me teaching my kids to obey the law?

They're illegal immigrants. They shouldn't be here. Period. Get them the hell out.

[summer]

They can't afford insurance on their wages.

So - how do they afford insurance on their [low] wages? Good question. Thanks, EW.

[summer]

They're illegal immigrants. They shouldn't be here. Period.

Thanks for your comments, baltodog.

[summer]

who's implying these have a shot at citizenship

I would also like to know more about how foreigners become citizens. And, are there in fact some illegals who want to become legal citizens? I would think so. What are the obstacles for those people in becoming legal?

[azhenfud]

Please note I appreciate your and Gov. Bush's candid responses. I realize there's much flak about this issue and your willingness to discuss is appreciated - even though I disagree and believe illegal is illegal and no lawbreaker should be rewarded, no matter how small the transgression.

FRegards,
Az

[summer]

FYI.

[judgeandjury]

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.

By not allowing illegal alien lawbreakers to drive on our roads and highways, it will increase safety for all licensed drivers.

[summer]

Thank YOU, azhenfud. :)

[TheLion]

Thanks for sharing Gov. Bush's comments.

While this all sounds nice and cozy, it is patently absurd to give illegal aliens anything. First, they are invading the country, which the US Government is sworn to prevent.

Getting rid of illegal aliens would go a lot further toward protecting Florida's citizens.

My questions to the Governor (whom I also think is one of the best) is this: If the US government shirks its primary responsibility of preventing the invasion of the states, isn't it the states right and duty to take action unilaterally, in order to protect it's citizens?

[summer]

not allowing illegal alien lawbreakers

Are you sure they'll not out there on the roads now?

[summer]

not allowing illegal alien lawbreakers

Are you sure they're not out there on the roads now?

[summer]

My questions to the Governor (whom I also think is one of the best) is this: If the US government shirks its primary responsibility of preventing the invasion of the states, isn't it the states right and duty to take action unilaterally, in order to protect its citizens?

Excellent question. Thanks, TheLion.

[Xenalyte]

Because they want to eventually become citizens? I am just guessing. I think there are illegals who want to become legal. No?

No, or they'd have gone about obtaining citizenship through the currently existing legal channels.

Illegals who get drivers' licenses are scofflaws, and the FDPS is aiding and abetting their status.

[azhenfud]

My experience with formerly the INS is limited to my adopted daughter's paperwork, so for an alien who's already guilty of breaking the law, I have no idea where one would begin.