Hispanic groups ask for more time for new driver's license rule

Save a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.comSave a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.com
Email a link to this articleEmail a link to this article
Printer-friendly version of this articlePrinter-friendly version of this article
View a list of the most popular articles on our siteView a list of the most popular articles on our site
YouNewsTV YouNewsTV™

Story Published: Dec 31, 2007 at 6:38 PM PST

Story Updated: Dec 31, 2007 at 6:39 PM PST
By Associated Press
Video

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Hispanic groups delivered more than 5,000 petition signatures Monday to Oregon's Driver and Motor Services Division in Salem seeking a year's delay of new rules making it harder for those who cannot prove legal residence to get licenses.

The new rules were signed as an executive order by Governor Kulongoski in November.

As of now, immigrants who get an ID card, which the Mexican Consulate in Portland issues, can use it to apply for the license under the existing rules. After the February 4 deadline it will require proof of legal residence, such as a green card of valid Social Security number, to get a license.

Farmworkers' union leader Ramon Ramirez says they don't have time to inform the tens of thousands of people who may be affected of the executive order and that they need an extension.

Most states do not allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses.

Kulongoksi says he would support a secondary "driving only" permit allowing people without proper documentation to continue to drive legally. That would require legislative approval, but lawmakers have been reluctant to support it.

Utah is the only state that has such a system.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


http://www.katu.com/news/12950282.html