Posted on 01/20/2006 9:57:30 AM PST by Sharks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- The administration of Gov. Bill Richardson is proposing that illegal immigrants who apply for a New Mexico driver's license be fingerprinted for background checks.
The move would strengthen border security and ensure that applicants for licenses "are who they say they are," Taxation and Revenue Secretary Jan Goodwin said Wednesday.
New Mexico is one of 11 states that don't require driver's license applicants to prove they are legal residents of the United States. The state lets foreign nationals present a passport, a federal tax identification number or a consular identification card to apply for a license.
The head of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a Santa Fe immigrant advocacy group, said requiring fingerprints would turn immigrants away from getting a license and would undermine public safety goals.
"If people know their fingerprints are going to a federal agency that shares information with the Department of Homeland Security, which enforces immigration laws, the vast majority are not going to apply," Marcela Diaz said. She said her group will fight any proposal "that would discriminate against immigrants."
Goodwin said she hopes fingerprinting would not discourage immigrants from applying.
So they are giving illegal aliens drivers licenses?
Fingerprints, a DNA sample and verification of legal status.
Maybe offer a $1-off coupon at El Polo Loco for any grief they may feel they suffer over this.
...is proposing that illegal immigrants who apply for a New Mexico driver's license be fingerprinted for background checks.
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Oh, yes, a real check-and-balance on our security, safety, and border protection. The insanity of the double standard as to who has to obey laws in our country just continues to fester. Thank you Washington DC, et al.
Just like our Arizona initiative Prop 200 that passed overwhelmingly, it was to deny non-Federal social services to ILLEGAL ALIENS and demand proper ID before voting. Our DemonRAT governor and her AG had quite a problem with going along and dragged it out through numerous procedural finger pointing and legal issues. I am still not sure the voter ID thing has been approved, because everyone is screaming this is just too hard and people will be denied their right to vote! What utter nonsense in a day when you cannot get on an airplane or rent a video without showing picture ID......RATS are at it wherever you turn.
LOL!
Lock up Richardson. Now.
And a one-way ticket home.
WHAT??? You mean they run out and get insurance or take safety courses when they receive these licenses? Wow....I must have missed something....
I have no problem fingerprinting ALL applicants for drivers licenses - otherwise you have an equal protection violation.
ping
It is "an equal protection violation" not to prosecute and/or deport illegal aliens. Illegal aliens should not be granted a license to drive under any circumstances.
Governor Quisling ping.
We keep giving up more and more of our privacy and liberties under the guise of what illegals/lawbreakers do.....i.e. gun bans, etc. It hasn't curbed ONE thing... except to put the rest of us under the watchful eye of those that can exploit it.
BTTT
I am sure they also learn English so they can read traffic signs.
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
Does Gov Bill realize that most illegals are just "passing through"? I haven't seen an express lane at DMV where 40 people at once can apply from a single hotwired, uninsured vehicle.
But I'm SURE that they carefully check to see that they are citizens when it comes to voting time.
Can a country this stupid survive?
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