Happenstance finds N.D. dealing with immigrant license plate cheating scheme

April 16, 2011

Through pure happenstance, North Dakota is now among several states nationwide dealing with a scheme that involves illegal immigrants cheating the system to get driver’s licenses in the U.S.

By: Kristen M. Daum, Forum Communications


FARGO — Through pure happenstance, North Dakota is now among several states nationwide dealing with a scheme that involves illegal immigrants cheating the system to get driver’s licenses in the U.S.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Dakota wrapped up one federal case on Friday and has another — almost identical — case slated for sentencing in June.

Both cases began with routine traffic stops in eastern North Dakota — but the scheme itself isn’t taking place here.

The drivers were stopped for speeding and found to be transporting a handful of illegal immigrants on a return trip from Washington state to the East Coast.

In Washington, the immigrants had obtained driver’s licenses by capitalizing on the state’s lax requirements for proving identification.

Washington, Hawaii, New Mexico and Utah are the only states nationwide that don’t require proof of legal status or citizenship.

The two cases in North Dakota’s federal court system occurred months apart and are unrelated — yet involve nearly the same criminal activity.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Chase said these incidents reveal a gapping flaw in states’ requirements for driver’s licenses.

“This case shows that there are people who have found what they perceive to be a weak spot in the system,â€