Thread: Proposal could cut penalties for illegals

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/artic ... E_ID=51488

Proposal could cut penalties for illegals
California dreamers: It's better not to get driver's license at all

August 14, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

California lawmakers are working on a plan that would cut the penalty for some of the people who drive without licenses, giving a huge break to those who just don't want to bother with all that nuisance of getting one.

The state Senate has voted 25-14 to endorse a plan that would reduce a required 30-day impoundment of vehicles to 24-hours – if the drivers never bothered to get a license, according to a report by columnist Debra J. Saunders on SFGate.com, an internet portal for the San Francisco Chronicle.

The old law required that 30-day parking plan for the vehicles of drivers caught without licenses, whether they never had one or their licenses were forfeited or suspended.

The new plan keeps that 30-day penalty if a driver's license is suspended or forfeited, but cuts it to 24 hours for those who didn't bother with the system in the first place.

"Break federal immigration law, then break California law by driving without a license, and Sacramento wants you to get your car back the next day so that you can continue driving without a license – and probably without insurance, because you need a license to qualify for it," Saunders wrote.

"It's' almost as if the Legislature is telling illegal immigrants that the state expects them to drive without a license."

State Sen. Chuck Poochigian, R-Fresno, noted it actually penalizes those who try to comply with state law.

The SFGate report said that the bill's author, Sen. Nell Soto, D-Pomona, described the bill as making it "fairer" because it would stop the "excessive penalties" against those "unable to obtain drivers licenses."

John Whitney, a member of the Christian group One LA, told Saunders that his organization has worked for the plan because as a "conservative Christian evangelical," he wanted to see special treatment for those who cannot get licenses because they are not legal residents.

"I am sure that Whitney is right that a month-long impounding of their cars is a hardship on working families. It is also a hardship on people who drive with suspended licenses – as it is meant to me," Saunders wrote.

"The pro-illegal immigrant lobby likes to complain that the law sends mixed messages to illegal immigrants. Then they push for laws – like a slap on the wrist for driving without a license – that muddle the message again," Saunders wrote.

Former Gov. Gray Davis did sign in 2003 a short-lived law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain California licenses. That was repealed when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took office.

John Whitney, a member of the Christian group One LA, told Saunders that his organization has worked for the plan because as a "conservative Christian evangelical," he wanted to see special treatment for those who cannot get licenses because they are not legal residents.

Should be the same for everyone. Hey, everyboby in Califonia!!!!! Don't bother to get a license, if the illegals don't need one neither do you!!!!! Should be like driving in a pinball machine. he insurance rates will be unobtainable.