Emotions run high at hearing in Salem over driver's license issue



Immigrant-rights groups rally on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in Salem, Ore. to oppose legislation that would require proof of legal presence to get an Oregon driver's license. (AP Photo/Statesman Journal, Thomas Patterson)
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Story Published: Jan 11, 2008 at 7:25 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2008 at 7:27 PM PST
By Associated Press
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SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Emotions rose in Salem on Friday at a joint hearing of the House and Senate Transportation Committees on whether to tighten driver's license access for those who cannot prove legal residence.

More than 150 people signed up to testify on draft legislation and another 2,000 listened or rallied on the Capitol steps.

The hearing was the first of two scheduled before the Legislature meets in February. Opponents of illegal immigration say anything less than a proof of legal presence standard would encourage terrorists and drug traffickers.

But Hispanic activists said the claim was a new low in misleading lobbying efforts.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday that if states want their licenses to remain valid for air travel after May 2008, they must comply with new rules or seek a waiver for more time.

Homeland Security wants ID checked against a government database under the REAL ID law.

Oregon is expected to seek a waiver.

In Oregon, after Feb. 4, applicants must prove legal residence to get a license but that is not expected to satisfy federal requirements, because Oregon does not plan to be linked to a national database.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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