Northwest Indiana Discussion

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/ ... 946911.txt

House approves driving "certificates" for illegal immigrants

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 5:06 PM CDT
Post a Comment



By CHRISTOPHER WILLS
Associated Press Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | The Illinois House voted Wednesday to give illegal immigrants a way to drive legally on the state's roads, a move supporters say will be controversial but should improve highway safety.

The state would offer driving "certificates" to people who lack the valid Social Security number needed to obtain a regular license. The certificates would allow them to drive and buy auto insurance, but couldn't be used as identification.

To get the certificates, people would have to provide a photo ID, such as a passport from their native country, and submit fingerprints. They also would have to prove they've obtained insurance within a month or the certificate would be canceled.

The measure passed 60-56 and now goes to the Senate.

Supporters say many immigrants, illegal or not, already are driving in Illinois but without proper training and insurance. If they get into traffic accidents, many of those drivers flee and leave the other driver stuck with any repair costs or hospital bills, the bill's supporters say.

The certificate program would reduce that problem and provide information to police about who they're dealing with during traffic stops, supporters argue.

"You don't see a single police association opposed to this measure," said Rep. Paul Froehlich, a Schaumburg Republican who is co-sponsoring the bill.

Opponents, however, argue it's wrong to make special accommodations for people who are in the country illegally.

"Let's just knock down the borders. Let's give everybody a certificate saying, 'Thanks for being here. You're a great American,"' said Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Greenville.

Tennessee created a similar program in 2004 but suspended it after about 18 months. People were coming from other states to obtain the certificates through fraud, but supporters say the Illinois measure contains safeguards to prevent that.

The bill is HB1100.

On the Net: www.ilga.gov

~~~~~~~ A GREAT idea at last. I agree with the big mouth, Rep. Stephens, we should have OPEN borders! Today, tomorrow, forever!