Thread: MA-Greater Lowell police mixed on licenses for illegals

Greater Lowell police mixed on licenses for illegals

The Sun (Lowell, Massachusetts)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
April 24, 2009 Friday
STATE AND REGIONAL NEWS
Dennis Shaughnessey, The Sun, Lowell, Mass.

Apr. 24--They can buy homes and hold down full-time jobs, but they cannot drive in most states.

A nationwide push to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses made its way to Massachusetts earlier this month when state Rep. Thomas Sannicandro tried to attach an amendment to the transportation bill that would allow the practice. The Ashland Democrat quickly pulled the measure after receiving strong opposition from his constituents.

Across the state, law-enforcement officials are divided. Supporters, including Fitchburg Police Chief Robert DeMoura, say giving undocumented immigrants licenses would help police do their jobs on the roads.

"When we stop somebody, we want to know who we're stopping," DeMoura said at an immigration forum in Fitchburg last month.

DeMoura said giving undocumented immigrants driver's licenses would allow them to legally work and commute in the community. It would also simplify the job for police when stopping drivers for alleged traffic violations, he said.

Licenses would allow police to identify those immigrants during traffic stops or other police encounters, said DeMoura, a former Lowell police captain.

DeMoura received a standing ovation at the hearing, sponsored by the Governor's Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants, though one city councilor, Dean Tran, blasted the chief, saying such a move would reward illegal behavior.

Many illegal immigrants have steady jobs, but they need to drive in order to get to work.

"It's a challenge," said Lowell Deputy Police Superintendent Deborah Friedl. "It's a difficult political issue. If you're driving without a license, you probably don't have insurance on the vehicle and if you're involved in a serious accident with a lawful resident, there is nothing to protect them."

Friedl said the issue is more political in nature, and police officers are in place to enforce the rules.

"It's difficult because we seem to know that they're driving. We come across them all the time," Friedl said. "It's usually the other person that ends up bearing the brunt of the burden and has to deal with the consequences."

Nationally, the issue has garnered support in Maryland, Hawaii, New Mexico, Utah and Washington. In 2004, California Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants the right to receive a California driver's license. He was defeated for re-election that year by Arnold Schwarzenneger, who promised to repeal the measure before it took effect.

Gov. Deval Patrick formed the Council on Refugees and Immigrants to study the issue, the findings of which are expected to reach the governor sometime this summer. In Utah, undocumented immigrants can obtain quot;driving privilege cards.quot;

Chelmsford Police Chief James Murphy said he would be willing to discuss some type of identification card.

"I'm willing to explore it, just for the sake of discussion," Murphy said. "But I'm really not in favor of giving drivers' licenses to people who are here illegally. It's telling them, 'You can drive legally while you're here illegally."

Dracut Police Chief Kevin Richardson said most undocumented immigrants do not want to be discovered, and a driver's license may be a way to keep tabs on them.

"It's a real tough call," Richardson said. "Police are sworn to uphold the law, and someone who is in this country illegally is breaking the law. People come here legally from other countries every day. They all play by the rules. But illegals are illegals. If nothing else, it will at least bring them up to speed on the rules of the road."

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Apr. 24--They can buy homes and hold down full-time jobs, but they cannot drive in most states.

A nationwide push to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses made its way to Massachusetts earlier this month when state Rep. Thomas Sannicandro tried to attach an amendment to the transportation bill that would allow the practice. The Ashland Democrat quickly pulled the measure after receiving strong opposition from his constituents.

I thought the nation-wide push was NOT to let them have licenses!

"When we stop somebody, we want to know who we're stopping," DeMoura said at an immigration forum in Fitchburg last month.

Did anyone ask this A-hole what happens to an American citizen if he can't provide ID when stopped? I'm betting detainment.

Having a license is a responsibility, not a right for the criminals who are breaking every immigration law, stealing identities, committing tax fraud by being paid under the table, etc. And how is the license bureau supposed to figure out if undocumented Jose is actually Juan?
These illegals should not be here in the first place, much less being allowed to work, much less being allowed to drive to that job they are not supposed to have in the first place.

Apr. 24--They can buy homes and hold down full-time jobs, but they cannot drive in most states.

So crooked government and banks loans to illegals with an ITIN numbers. GIVE ME A BREAK And illegals aren't to be working in America and an ITIN number from state revenue offices does not make and illegal legal.

What a mess Why isn't the ITIN processor doing a legal status check? And why isn't a bank checking for permanent legal status with ITIN numbers?

Oh yeah

Now pour gravy on the potatoes, by giving all illegal drivers licenses

It may help some American drivers in an accident with an illegal get compensation. Granting licenses to illegal aliens who can drive well however does not take those who can not off the road.

DeMoura said giving undocumented immigrants driver's licenses would allow them to legally work and commute in the community. It would also simplify the job for police when stopping drivers for alleged traffic violations, he said.

HUH?!?!?! Licenses would not make them legal! It's a federal violation to work if you're here illegally. Who hired this clown?

Giving them licenses won't guarantee they'll keep insurance or won't use other IDs they've stolen either. Giving them licenses doesn't guarantee they know how to drive or obey the rules of the road. They don't even obey the laws of the land!

NO LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS!!! Deport every single one stopped for ANY violation!