Thread: MA- Sannicandro :illegals driver's licenses for safety

Ashland Rep. Sannicandro favors giving illegal immigrants driver's licenses for safety and security
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By John Hilliard/Daily News staff

Posted Apr 08, 2009 @ 12:20 AM

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The state could improve public safety and security - plus collect some extra revenue - by allowing illegal immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, says Ashland's state representative.

"We have potentially thousands of undocumented people living without identification. We don't know who they are," said state Rep. Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland, who added an amendment to the House's version of a transportation reform bill that would enable illegal immigrants to apply for a driver's license.

Critics say the measure doesn't deal with the underlying problem of illegal immigration.

"I don't think the answer is to simply succumb to the fact that some people came here illegally, (are) driving and accepting that," said state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, who said lawmakers need to control who is living illegally in Massachusetts.

Offering driver's licenses will draw more illegal immigrants to Massachusetts, he said.

"I think it would only encourage more people to come here without proper documentation," said Fernandes.

State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, also opposed the measure because it would be the first step in legitimizing illegal immigration. He said illegal immigration incurs costs on health care and schools, and any revenue from a license surcharge would be outweighed by those expenses.

"If you know who they are, process them to citizenship or process them out of the country," said Brown.

Sannicandro said the measure, if approved, would help identify undocumented residents and require that they, like other drivers, know and follow state vehicle laws.

Allowing illegal immigrants a legal means to drive would also cut down on police stops and court time used to deal with immigrants who are driving without a license, he said.

Sannicandro filed a separate bill that would accomplish a similar goal, but also includes a surcharge for those applying for a license who don't have a Social Security number. He said if his transportation amendment is approved, he would attempt to add the surcharge measure when lawmakers begin discussing new revenue sources for the state's transportation system.

The House began debate on its transportation bill yesterday, and it was unclear what the fate of Sannicandro's amendment would be as of yesterday afternoon. Sannicandro said the measure has gotten a mixed reaction from his constituents, but he said it is a "good thing to do."

"I'm not giving them a benefit. I'm doing something for everyone else," said Sannicandro.

According to the Associated Press, only Washington, Illinois, Maryland and New Mexico issue driver's licenses without requiring proof of lawful U.S. residency. Maryland is seeking to undo the measure because that state has reportedly become a destination for non-citizens to obtain a license.

State Rep. Pam Richardson, D-Framingham, who took heat from some critics for backing a separate proposal to allow towns the option to extend voting rights to illegal immigrants, supports Sannicandro's amendment and bill.

"I think it's important for people to understand the driving laws," said Richardson. "It's really an issue of safe driving."

Supporters and opponents of Sannicandro's measure agree the federal government needs to pass immigration reform and streamline the process to live in the country legally.

"We certainly need to update the immigration laws at the federal level. It's unfortunate that hasn't happened yet," said Richardson, who added she hopes the Obama administration will help promote reform of those regulations.

Brown said there should be a way for illegal immigrants to live here legally, but noted other immigrants have gone through the legal process.

"I don't blame them for trying to cut corners, but it hurts people who (went through) the process legally," said Brown of illegal immigrants.

(John Hilliard can be reached at 508-626-4449 or John.Hilliard@cnc.com.)


http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homep ... d-security

They should leave here apply there and accept the results. As they have already been here they have an advantage over other potential entrants if the three to ten year exclusion is removed because they have a network with relatives and past employers here already. Unless of course their relatives and employers find them only marginally worth endorsing with their guaranty against indigence and legal expenses which seems to be the case.

Those illegal aliens on the road who are driving now are not going to let a little thing like failing the test and not having a license keep them off the road even if they are eligible to apply. There is no increase in safety the only change is going to be that if one hits you they are more likely to be insured.



There is an illegal aliens lobby organization named MIRA in Massachusetts which in a vacuum has coopted the politicians and NGO leaders mind share regarding immigrants. The Governor in order to get volunterrs for his campaign went totally in the bag for them. There was a series of hearings on state government immigrant dialogue which was organized and moderated by the illegal aliens lobby. This was one of the things that they wanted and I hope for the sake of citizens and legal immigrants that they do not obtain it.