AZ Republicans Push Measure to Bar Illegals from Obtaining Drivers Licenses

By Mike Sunnucks
Phoenix Business Journal

Republicans -- including Arizona Congressman Trent Franks and the state GOP -- are fighting efforts to allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses.

New York Gov. Eliot Sptizer, a Democrat, retreated from a controversial plan Wednesday that would have allowed illegals to obtain a special drivers license. The program also caused consternation for Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton. Sen. Clinton took a number of different positions on the issue in recent weeks before saying she opposed the idea.

In 2003, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano said she was open to a bill that would have granted Arizona drivers licenses to illegals. Napolitano also moved away from that position and said recent state identification measures do not include licenses for illegals.

Arizona Republican Party Director Sean McCaffrey said the issue shows Democrats are not committed to border security and enforcing immigration laws. And, U.S. Rep. Trent Franks signed onto a Republican proposal to prohibit states from giving illegal immigrants drivers licenses or permits.

Drivers licenses are a primary form of ID for travel, employment and other purposes. Advocates say allowing illegals to have a form of ID will encourage them to obtain car insurance. Detractors say it goes against the rule of law.

From: Phoenix Business Journal (www.bizjournals.com)