Posted on 02/18/2005 10:26:25 AM PST by MissouriConservative
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Illegal immigrants are not entitled to obtain driver's licenses in Iowa, the state Supreme Court ruled Friday.
The court upheld a Polk County District Court judge's ruling.
"We conclude that the practice of denying driver's licenses to illegal aliens violates none of the statutory and constitutional provisions raised by the classes," the Supreme Court ruling said.
The Iowa Department of Transportation requires applicants for a driver's license to show proof of identity and a Social Security card.
Curt Daniels, lead attorney for a group of immigrants who filed a lawsuit against the state, argued Jan. 13 before the Supreme Court that the policy violates their rights to equal protection under the U.S. constitution.
Mark Hunacek, an assistant attorney general, said federal courts have concluded there is no constitutional right for illegal aliens to have a driver's license.
"We conclude the state's licensing scheme is rationally related to the legitimate state interest of 'not allowing its governmental machinery to be a facilitator for the concealment of illegal aliens,' " the court said.
Lawmakers in 10 states have passed legislation permitting licenses for undocumented aliens, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
FYI
One wonders why 'legal' immigrants, if such is the case, are filing a lawsuit to benefit 'illegals'?
It's like Alice in Wonderland. We are talking about people who are IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING THE LAW. If someone is breaking into a house, the state's first obligations is to get him to stop breaking into the house.
why don't these people just use their Mexican licenses? - perfectly legal here in USA
It seems weird and wrong for them to have "standing" -- that is, to be qualified to sue on this issue.
And in other news, a judge re-affirmed the governments rights to put convicted felons in prison.
Do illegals have any rights under the Constitution ?
And why immigration agents were not dispatched to arrest them upon recieving the suit?
The Mexican licenses are expiring and they need renewals. That's what the issue (really) is. But without a Soc. Sec. number they aren't allowed to get the renewal.
Forgive me for going essoteric, but it seems this has to remain a states rights issue until and unless a uniform nation wide up or down vote is cast on issuing illegals DL licenses.
The reason, as I see it, is that a state DL which allows illegals to obtain the license should be rejectable in a state that does not. DL's are "priveledge not a right" so FFC and there rest shold not apply.
"Do illegals have any rights under the Constitution?"
I wouldn't think so, but with judges ruling that terrorists in Guantanamo have rights under our Constitution....who knows who they will give rights to these days.
Aren't federal funds used for interstates and highways?
Now that question is a real "telling" question! It does appear that the illegals in the suit would be named. It also appears the lawyer handling the case is aiding and abetting illegal activity. Also those in legal office responsible for the illegals are proved to be totally incompetent for that office they hold.
But what else is new about political incompetence. ALL POLITICIANS!
Real frightening is the fact that almost no businesses are fined anymore if caught employing illegals. If they would increase penalty on businesses hiring illegals and actually start enforcing laws, they would generate enough to hire additonal agents and deal with the issue. Never happen though.
They were also named in Wal-Mart suit, and as far as I know there was no action taken against them.
Just seeing stuff like Mexico filing suit against Arizona (prop 200) makes me wonder why my neighbor hasn't sued me yet for not paying his utilities , rent etc etc .....amazing.
Ahhh, but if you check my FReeper page, you will see there are all sorts of new pc things that we have been reconditioned to call those who are breaking and entering our beloved nation.
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