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National By Domenico Maceri
It's not difficult to visualize the situation. The more than 2 million undocumented workers in California have to deal with similar circumstances on a regular basis. Sometimes it's a question of life or death but other times it's a question of simpler but nevertheless serious matters.In September of 2003, former Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation which would have solved the predicament for undocumented workers. SB 60 would have allowed any resident of California to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status.With pressure from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new governor, the California legislature repealed the law. Gil Cedillo, its chief sponsor, also voted for the repeal but promised new legislation will be introduced which will have Schwarzenegger's support. ![]() Of course, people should come to the U.S. through legal channels but our federal government is incapable of providing rules for the movement of people from one country to another and people break the law.Have you ever broken a law? Have you ever used an illegal drug? Have you driven faster than the legal speed limit? Have you ever cheated on your taxes? Have you ever done something illegal? Does it mean that once you break a law you cease to be a human being and deserve no rights whatsoever?The answer is of course negative. When Californians passed the infamous Proposition 187 denying benefits to undocumented workers and their children, the courts overturned it. In essence, the courts ruled that the crime undocumented workers committed did not warrant the "justice" California voters wanted to administer.And the "crime" undocumented workers committed would not have been possible if companies did not tacitly cooperate. ![]() ![]() Because of safety concerns, many states, including Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and West Virginia allow undocumented workers to apply for driver's licenses. Although rules vary slightly with each state, the basic provisions are similar. Instead of requiring a social security number and proof of legal residency, the Department of Motor Vehicles asks for a taxpayer identification number and other documents to determine the identity of the applicants. Allowing people to drive legally will not increase illegal immigration. However, it will make us all safer. ![]() Julián Castro's Monolingualism: a ... Biden's Immigration Plan: Between Trump and ... Legal and Illegal Immigration: A Winning ... World Cup: Beyond the Soccer Field John Kelly's Fails English and History
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