| DRIVER'S LICENCE: MYTHS AND FACTS |
| Written by Maria Elena Salinas |
| Monday, September 22 2003 |
| |
| Of all the hot-button issues I've written about, none has stirred up more passion than the controversy over giving undocumented immigrants access to driver's licenses. I've been a longtime supporter of this for the simple reason that it is the fair and logical thing to do. If people are already in this country and are already driving, I believe that they should learn the rules of the road and take a driving test.
But many people - especially in California - don't see it that way. That's why Senate Bill 60, the legislation signed by Gov. Gray Davis allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for licenses, has become one of the main issues in the out-of-control recall campaign now gripping the Golden State.
I know my thoughts on this issue will elicit a flood of letters and e-mails. I can already predict the reaction: "What part of 'illegal' don't you understand?" "You're only aiding terrorists" and "Go back to Mexico" (which makes no sense, since I was born in the United States). Despite the predictable onslaught from immigrant-bashers, I still feel it is important to dispel some of the myths surrounding this controversial issue.
Myth: Undocumented immigrants don't deserve to drive, because they are in this country illegally.
Fact: Look around you the next time you dine in a restaurant, stay in a hotel or drive past a construction site. Many of the busboys, maids, baby sitters and carpenters you see are undocumented immigrants. These people are working and contributing to the economy. The least we can do is let them drive to their jobs. Besides, at least 18 states already allow undocumented immigrants to apply for licenses.
Myth: This bill will encourage illegal immigration.
Fact: License or no license, undocumented immigrants will continue to come to this country to find jobs. Once they are here, many will drive without valid licenses. At least under SB60 they can learn the basic rules of the road.
Myth: SB60 will allow terrorists to hide their identities by obtaining California driver's licenses.
Fact: Every applicant for a California driver's license must provide a legible thumbprint to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a taxpayer identification number and two other forms of identification. Do you seriously believe that a terrorist is going to knowingly provide fingerprints and other personal data to a state official?
Myth: Undocumented immigrants will use a driver's license to obtain government benefits or even register to vote.
Fact: Since 1995, California driver's licenses have had the following notice: "This license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle; it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits."
Myth: SB60 will make the streets and highways of California less safe.
Fact: Exactly the opposite is true. SB60 will make California's streets and highways safer, since it will allow those who might already be driving without valid licenses to pass a driving test. Undocumented workers will be more likely to purchase insurance, since the DMV will require proof of insurance for the car being used to take the driving test.
Myth: This bill was signed because it is the right thing to do.
Fact: Unfortunately, it appears that this bill was indeed signed for political reasons. Let's face it - Gov. Davis vetoed two similar bills, citing security concerns. In reality, he was responding to a strong anti-immigrant sentiment that followed Sept. 11. Now, facing a tough recall election, it's quite possible that the besieged governor signed this bill to pander to Hispanic voters. But that does not take away from the fact that this is a valid bill that deserves to be signed on its own merits.
Not surprisingly, a petition is already being prepared to repeal SB60, scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2004. The group California Republican Assembly plans to collect the 374,000 signatures needed to put the initiative on the ballot on the March primary election. Supporting the repeal of SB60 will be a big mistake, because the law will not reward undocumented workers, encourage illegal immigration or allow terrorists to hide their identities. It will not allow immigrants to apply for social services or commit voter fraud. Nor will it make California highways less safe. |
