Deal struck on licenses for illegal immigrants

dailybreeze ^ | 08.19.03 | Michael Gardner

[VU4G10]

SACRAMENTO — After striking a deal over contentious security safeguards, embattled Gov. Gray Davis has offered unqualified support for divisive legislation that would give illegal immigrants the right to drive.

While the measure targets the state’s burgeoning immigrant population, many Californians — regardless of citizenship or immigration status — could be affected.

The compromise would require every applicant for a driver’s license to submit to a technologically advanced identification system to ensure the name matches the fingerprint.

License fees, now $12, could double to raise the approximately $70 million for the Department of Motor Vehicles to move toward biometric fingerprinting.

However, a criminal background check would not be conducted unless triggered by discrepancies in an application.

Applicants who do not have a Social Security card could provide a taxpayer identification number as an alternative.

Russ Lopez, a Davis spokesman, said Monday that the governor is “comfortable” with the safeguards that were added during negotiations over the past two weeks.

If the measure is signed into law, California would become one of only three states to grant illegal immigrants the right to drive. New Mexico and Utah have similar policies.

Maria Blanco, senior counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, called the compromise a “great win” for the Latino community.

Opponents could not be reached late Monday, but have said that the state should not reward those breaking the law by entering the country illegally.

Earlier this month Davis had announced he would sign the legislation, but only if changes were implemented to satisfy his concerns over security and identity theft. With Democrats firmly in control of both houses, the measure is expected to reach his desk.

Davis, who vetoed similar bills twice, is under intense pressure to appease all-important Latino voters going into the Oct. 7 recall election. Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, a fellow Democrat and one of the state’s most prominent Latino politicians, has mounted a spirited campaign to replace Davis should the governor be removed.

State Sen. Gil Cedillo, a Los Angeles Democrat carrying SB 60, said fairness was a cornerstone issue in the talks.

“All of the rules and regulations would apply to everyone,” Cedillo said.

The legislation will provide some measure of public safety because many of those affected by the measure drive now without being tested. Also, only licensed drivers are eligible for insurance, he said.

Existing DMV requirements include a fingerprint, but the technology is antiquated, Cedillo said.

The compromise safeguards will ensure that “this won’t be a sanctuary” for criminals seeking a new identity, he vowed.

Cedillo added that he expects that 60 percent, or about 1.2 million, of those who would be eligible for licenses are in California legally, but they cannot obtain licenses without Social Security numbers.

The federal government estimates that 2 million are in California illegally.

[Akira]

PLEASE keep this insanity out of Texas.

[lelio]

The compromise safeguards will ensure that “this won’t be a sanctuary” for criminals seeking a new identity, he vowed.

Yeah, that vow and $3 might get you a cup of coffee.

Cedillo added that he expects that 60 percent, or about 1.2 million, of those who would be eligible for licenses are in California legally, but they cannot obtain licenses without Social Security numbers.

I don't understand, if they are here legally then why don't they have an SSN?

[harpo11]

Just how much more corrupt can Joseph Graham Davis get? Granting lawbreakers, outlaw illegal immigrants the same rights legal citizens have is an outrage. He is pandering to save his incompetent rear end. I say all the more reason to Recall the bum.

[BiffWondercat]

I saw nothing in there about there being required to have INSURANCE as well. Here 25-30% of drivers don't have any.
Can't we get the slightest good outta a deal anymore?

[Shermy]

Delivery people, truck drivers, etc., etc., you're going to lose your jobs.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Davis, who vetoed similar bills twice, is under intense pressure to appease all-important Latino voters going into the Oct. 7 recall election.

Latino-American voters don't give a flying fig...it's Latino activist groups and their campaign contributions Davis is after, plus with motor-voter it's only a short step from being an illegal alien to being a registered Democrat voter.

[America's Resolve]

Sheesh! Why not just call the places, Mexas, Mexifornia, Mexida, Mexizona and well, Meximexico and have it over and done with.

What's next? Legislation from our "representatives" abolishing our borders?

DOH! I better keep my yap shut!

They got enough rotten ideas in these places :(

[tophat9000]

Please other states sue us to stop this crap!

[LasVegasMac]

PLEASE keep this insanity out of Texas.

Once again, the world is lucky Mac is not in charge.

I'd have put the gates up on the shared roads by now.

What crap.

What lunacy.

Kalifungus at it's finest.

And DimWatt blames the Republicans.

Right.

Kepp your insanity down south, please.

LVM

[rivercat]

Okay... When I go to Europe, I do not have to get a new Driver's License to drive there. So, why don't we make the illegal aliens show their Home Country's Driver's License instead of giving them a California License?? Then we'll know who is supposed to be here, and who is "just visiting". Better yet, make them take a test on California Driving Laws, then put a sticker (or something) on their Home Country's License. This would also pretend to help prevent Motor-Voter fraud.

[Shermy]

Latino-American voters

They'll be the ones most hurt by it, since it's a policy to target jobs they disproportionately hold.

[VU4G10]

How about deporting the whole lot of them back to Mexico?

[Shermy]

You can get an International Drivers License.

But that doesn't permit you to do work related to driving.

But then, that's the major point about issuing American state drivers licenses. Ability to do commercial work, and depress American citizen and resident wages.

Tennessee already operates this scam.

[nothingnew]

This entire article, with all the quotes by those involved, leaves me only one response:

"What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. May God have mercy on your soul."

FMCDH

[evaporation-plus]

Will it be possible to get drivers licenses in other states once you have one from California? Most states have reciprocal agreements.

[rivercat]

Well since they would be presenting their Home Country's License, they should also present a visa. If they don't have it, send them home!

[Joe Hadenuf]

PLEASE keep this insanity out of Texas.

Hah! There are so many illegals in Texas, like Cal, they have been driving for years without them, they don't need no stinking drivers licenses...

Besides this aint about driver's licenses, it about the destruction of our national borders and our sovereignty. That is what this is all about, and it's coming to a state near you......

[txdoda]

The compromise safeguards will ensure that “this won’t be a sanctuary” for criminals seeking a new identity, he vowed.>>>>>

Hey, Cedillo ........ all the "criminals seeking to get a new identity" are lining up for their MATRICULA cards (w/ "new identity').....Which I'm sure you have pushed to be accepted in CA also.

[VU4G10]

"send them home!"

That's the job of the Feds & your Pres. Bush!