Oregon Lawmakers Challenge Governor On Licenses For Illegal Immigrants

A proposal by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to give illegal immigrants a special driver’s permit is getting a chilly reception from fellow Democrats who control the state Legislature.

Under the governor’s plan, the Department of Motor Vehicles would require proof of citizenship or legal residency to issue driver’s licenses. Those who lack proper papers could get a driving-only card that would not be valid to board an airliner, among other limitations, a plan similar to the one withdrawn last week by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

State Sen. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, told the Ashland Daily Tidings that the governor’s proposal could draw more illegal immigrants to Oregon.

“I have a real problem licensing illegal immigrants,â€