Both sides weigh in on license plan
More than 40 testify about contentious driver's license issue
PETER WONG
Statesman Journal
December 19, 2007

State officials got an earful Tuesday about Gov. Ted Kulongoski's proposed tightening of requirements for issuing Oregon driver's licenses, permits and identification cards.

The acting administrator of the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division said the emergency rule is limited in scope but will have far-reaching effects.

"Whether we like it or not, a driver's license is the most commonly used identification document in this country," said DMV chief Tom McClellan.

Though some witnesses criticized the rule that will put Kulongoski's order into effect, others used their time to sound off about immigration.

Some groups opposed to illegal immigration praised the order, which would require applicants to submit a verifiable Social Security number and a document proving identity and date of birth, issued in the United States or Canada or verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"We want the rule of law to be obeyed," said Jim Ludwig, president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, who also called for an end to eight-year driver's licenses and non-acceptance of licenses from other states that do not meet similar standards. The latter actions require legislative approval.

Some immigrant-rights advocates criticized Kulongoski's order, notably Eduardo Angulo of the Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality, who accused Democrats of "betrayal."

"They change the rules of the game for political purposes," he said.

More than 40 people testified at a four-hour session at Oregon State Fairgrounds. A written summary will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission, which may decide in January.

Whatever the commission decides, the Oregon Legislature is likely to address illegal immigration through stiffer driver's license requirements during a February special session.

pwong@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6745
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