Roadblocks thrown up for licenses-for-illegals plan

The Boston Herald
November 18, 2009
By JOE DWINELL and LAURA CRIMALDI

A Patrick administration pitch to grant illegal immigrants driver's licenses has some on Beacon Hill already slamming the brakes on the proposal saying it's a public safety wreck in the making.

"It's outrageous,'' said Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield.) "The terrorists used a license to board planes."

The license offer was part of a 56-page report released yesterday titled the "Massachusetts New Americans Agenda.''

The report, commissioned by Gov. Deval Patrick, contained a whopping 131 recommendations aimed at better mixing legal and illegal immigrants and refugees into the Bay State.

A license and in-state college tuition rates for illegal immigrants were two of the more controversial ideas rolled out.

Tisei argued a license is used for more than just driving a car. ``People use a license for a primary identification,'' he said.

``From a public safety standpoint,'' he added, ``it's misguided.''

Patrick said he would wait and see what his Cabinet comes back with before throwing his support behind the idea of a license for illegal immigrants.

The report was unveiled at a State House Thanksgiving luncheon sponsored by the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.

Other recommendations highlighted in the report include:

** Allowing illegal immigrants to access state financial aid programs to pay college tuition.

** Require state agencies to provide information about basic services in multiple languages.

** Support basic adult dental services coverage by MassHealth.

** Improve access to capital for immigrant-run businesses.

The report found nearly 28 percent of all people living in Boston are immigrants.

In 2007, immigrants paid $1.2 billion in state income taxes, the report said.

State House News Service contributed.

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