Thread: Wisconsin Bill Would Ban Licenses For Illegals

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories ... 31&ntpid=3

Bill would ban licenses for illegals

Associated Press
May 19, 2005

Those applying for a Wisconsin driver's license would have to prove they are in the country legally under legislation an Assembly committee approved Wednesday to bring the state in compliance with a new federal mandate.


The bill, approved 8-3, now goes to the full Assembly. It needs approval from both chambers of the Legislature and the governor's signature to become law.

A new federal law requires states to ensure those seeking a driver's license are in the country legally. The rules are aimed at stopping illegal immigrants from getting driver's licenses to prevent them from boarding planes or entering protected federal buildings.

Unless Wisconsin approves legislation to comply with the law within three years, state residents could no longer use their driver's licenses to board airplanes or enter federal buildings.

Wisconsin is among a handful of states that do not require those seeking a license to be in the country legally.

Under current law, applicants for driver's licenses have to provide proof of their name and date of birth, such as a certified birth certificate; a second form of identification, such as a Social Security card or credit card; and proof of Wisconsin residency, such as a utility bill.

The legislation would require the Department of Transportation to also collect proof applicants are in the country legally. Temporary licenses for those in the country on a work or student visa would expire when those permits end.

The bill would require the DOT to print on the license a visa's expiration date for those here temporarily.

Critics say the new federal requirement is a step toward a national ID card that would allow the government to track citizens. Some also say the changes won't secure the nation and reflect surging hostility toward the foreign-born in the United States.


Published: 10:16 AM 5/19/05

ON WISCONSIN, ON WISCONSIN!!!! Get Straight!! YOU'll LIKE IT!!

Good Post, ButterBean!!