Thread: {Sob} License limits disappoint Hispanics

License limits disappoint Hispanics
By By JOHN DARLING
for the Mail Tribune
February 14, 2008 6:00 AM
Tighter requirements on obtaining an Oregon driver's license will be a hardship on Hispanic families struggling to make a living here, several longtime Latino residents said Wednesday after the requirements passed the Legislature.

"We can do nothing about it. I don't feel good about how they treat Spanish people, but I understand — we're not from here," said Antonio Silva, who came to the valley 38 years ago from Mexico and works at La Tapatia grocery here.

"Our government in Mexico is not too good. That's why we looked for a better life here. But the rich don't care very much. The poor always suffer," said Silva.

The Oregon House on Wednesday endorsed a measure to require the state to verify whether each applicant for a new or renewed license is a U.S. citizen or in the country legally. The measure, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who has said Oregon had become a magnet for trafficking in fake identification.

During the House debate, backers said the bill will help move Oregon toward compliance with new federal rules on identification while making it clear the state doesn't extend driving privileges to people who aren't in the country legally.

"This makes Oregon less inviting to those who shouldn't be here," said Rep. Kim Thatcher, R-Salem.

La Tapatia owner Jose Bugarin, who came from Mexico 32 years ago, said undocumented Hispanics must drive in order to work and run errands, but without a driver's license, they will be forced to drive unlicensed — and without insurance.

"It's a big mistake. People are going to drive one way or the other," said Bugarin. "And if they have an accident, there's no insurance company that's going to pay. It's against everybody, not just illegal people."

Supporters of the new requirements say Oregon's loose rules have made the state a target for fraud and identity theft.

Until this year, Oregon was "one of the most permissive states" in its standards for getting a driver's license, said Chris Warner, transportation adviser to Kulongoski. It required only that applicants proved who they were and that they lived in Oregon. Applicants could choose from a "robust list" of allowable identification, he said, including the Matricula Consular, a water-sealed photo identification card issued to Mexican citizens by the Mexican government, and official U.S. government employment or military reserve cards.

Credit cards and library cards were not allowed, Warner said.

The measure would largely place into state statutes tighter identification requirements than were included in an executive order by Kulongoski that went into effect last week.

There are an estimated 120,000 undocumented workers living in Oregon, and immigrant rights activists denounced final passage of the driver license bill.

The new requirements passed by the Legislature take effect July 1. Those who renew their driver's licenses will have to meet the new requirements.

Bugarin, whose father worked here before him, said, "We came to make this country strong and to try to make a new life in this beautiful United States. We never went on welfare. We always worked. I don't know what they (government officials) are thinking."

Medford mortgage loan consultant Reynaldo Aguilera predicted the new law would have a "very high impact" on Hispanics here but that undocumented immigrants, some of whom have been here for many years, will have to seek legal residency — and some will find ways to get identification that will pass at DMV.

However, Alberto Morales, director of Unete, a nonprofit organization in Medford that advocates for farm workers and immigrants, said there is "no way" to fake identification today and immigrants want to come here legally, but because of the limited number of visas, "no one can."

"It (the new law) is not fair," said Morales. "How are people going to follow the rules when they're not letting us play by the rules, which say we should get a license and be able to show who we are? Latinos are going to do anything to continue to have the life they are living, although it's going to be difficult."

John Darling is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at jdarling@jeffnet.org. Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 23/-1/LIFE

The US cannot take in every poor person in the world

The law targets illegal aliens , not mexicans

If some illegal aliens happen to be mexican and they get caught
there should be no special "get out of jail free card"

They should be treated like illegal aliens including fines , jail time and
deportation

The whiny "victim" card has to stop

Americans don't get a break if they are caught without license
or insurance

They doubly should get no breaks and be deported along with civil
penalties for their crimes

I've had several friends and co-workers in accidents with Hispanics. I don't know of the legality of some of them, but I do know NONE of them had auto insurance. Of all the many stories I've heard about accidents, I've never heard of a single incident where they had insurance.

However, Alberto Morales, director of Unete, a nonprofit organization in Medford that advocates for farm workers and immigrants, said there is "no way" to fake identification today and immigrants want to come here legally, but because of the limited number of visas, "no one can."

Oh believe me they are giving out way to many visa's the peoblem is you don't think there should be a limit.....sure lets just destroy America for everybody, who gives a damn "right" if you turn us into a 3rd world cesspool like Mexico

but without a driver's license, they will be forced to drive unlicensed — and without insurance.

There aren't being "forced" to do anything! Heck, we can't even seem to force them out of the country.

Applicants could choose from a "robust list" of allowable identification, he said, including the Matricula Consular, a water-sealed photo identification card issued to Mexican citizens by the Mexican government, and official U.S. government employment or military reserve cards.

Can't have it getting wet while swimming across the Rio Grande huh?

"It (the new law) is not fair," said Morales. "How are people going to follow the rules when they're not letting us play by the rules, which say we should get a license and be able to show who we are? Latinos are going to do anything to continue to have the life they are living, although it's going to be difficult."

Don't you get it yet Morales? WE DON'T WANT ILLEGALS HERE AT ALL! You and they refuse to follow our laws, which are in place for specific reasons. The idea IS to make it impossible for illegals to stay here.

I agree Miguelina.

This mentality that it's okay to break the law is beyond explaination!

Mexico and South America seem to be filled with people who bribe, steal and don't have any sense of what is right and what is wrong. For a so called religious country, I am shocked that this culture is okay with law breaking and even encouraging it at it's government levels.

Why don't they fight for change and a better life in their own country. Don't bring your corruption here either!

License limits disappoint Hispanics

Correction:
License limits disappoint Illegal Aliens

There that's better.

La Tapatia owner Jose Bugarin, who came from Mexico 32 years ago, said undocumented Hispanics must drive in order to work and run errands, but without a driver's license, they will be forced to drive unlicensed — and without insurance.

Again, the ignorance and complete and total disregard for any and all laws from these people is absolutely insulting and baffeling!

These people do not care about the rule of law and will do anything they please so as long as it benefits them. From the moment they sent foot upon US Soil, they continue to break law with inpunity.

Why does our government continue to lobby tirelessly for a group of people who care nothing about the rule of law. I thought the United States was supposed to be a country of law?

They keep complaining that our immigration laws make it impossible for them to qualify. Uh, HELLOOOOOOO. Maybe it's coz we don't want unskilled, uneducated immigrants?? Ya think??

If you don't qualify, you DON'T QUALIFY. Get over it and stay in your country. Geesh.