We probably could have gotten away with it (if it hadn’t have been for those meddling kids…). We just want to make extra sure the eyes were dotted and the tees crossed, because in the post 9/11 world, you can be barred even from visiting the country.
Bumping this thread with a question.
What are the arguments, pro and con, for permitting illegal/undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses? I’ve been wondering.
- In theory, they can get out of the country faster in a car.
They won’t be undocumented anymore, once they have a state issued driver’s license. They will have to present some kind of proof of age and identity when they apply for it, so it practically becomes a sting operation to offer them licenses. “Undocumented immigrant with a driver’s license (that isn’t forged)” is an oxymoron. Now, they are still illegal, which makes me think not many will apply unless it comes with some kind of amnesty.
But there certainly are other advantages, such as being able to track their driving records, threaten them with revocation if they let their insurance lapse. I don’t know how big a problem illegals who drink and drive, or otherwise disobey road laws are-- probably they are pretty scrupulous about obeying traffic laws, because they don’t want a traffic stop to end up in deportation; getting them documented in a way that doesn’t confer legal immigration status is probably the biggest advantage.
Pro - they can drive, be tracked in their driving, buy insurance, etc.
Con - creates an official ID that makes it appear that they are here legally.
It is really a State vs Federal issue. The state can’t deport, in some cases won’t work with the Feds, and just wants the state to run better. Give them a license, hopefully reduce the traffic issues.
The Feds don’t want us recognizing, except when we are required to educate those here illegally, plus add in the ER costs for those without health insurance.
I will never state that they have it made. Here in California, they qualify for instate tuition. We even had one finish law school, pass the bar, be admitted to the bar - but is in the US illegally:
The cost of taking care of the illegal immigrants can be high, which might trigger the “they have it made” line of crap:
From everything I hear, they aren’t given an opportunity for a license because it’s “giving them a reward for being illegal”.
Wouldn’t the cost be a lot lower if they were given the opportunity to become legalized citizens in some way? I mean, I can understand how it might encourage more to come, but once they’re here legally why would it matter if they come?