80 Comments - Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:28 pm: Already deleted one comment because the tone was so harsh. Keep it civil or go away. - Huh? - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:32 pm: I voted no. The reason is that by giving state ID card to a person who is committing an illegal act legitimizes the crime. The crime in this case is being in the US without a valid passport and visa. In addition, the State has no business interfering with immigration policy. - Dark Side of the Moon - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:32 pm: Anyone driving a vehicle - whether documented or not should have a valid driver’s license. It just makes sense. - PublicServant - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:35 pm: Don’t think it will make a difference. An undocumented alien, with or without a drivers license, most likely won’t risk stopping if involved in an accident. Probably won’t drive any better or worse with a license either. - mythoughtis - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:35 pm: Seems to me that these people should be getting licenses from their home country consulate. I know the Mexican consulate issues such to their undocumented itizens in this country. Otherwise, NO. We should not enable people to be here without proper certification by giving them official Illinoos documents, that (ahem, ahem) ‘cannot’ be used for identification. - mythoughtis - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:36 pm: my apologies, citizens, not ‘itizens’. - geronimo - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:39 pm: I’m clueless as to why this privilege would be extended to foreigners. Please enlighten me. - wishbone - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:42 pm: I have changed my mind on this and immigration reform in general. I used to believe that immigration threatened the environment, but now favor both. Like gay marriage and marijuana legalization it is an issue whose time has come. - jake - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:44 pm: To me it is common sense. Anybody who is living here and either working, going to school, staying home with the kids, etc., should be able to drive on the same basis as anybody else. If that does not pertain, it will cause social dislocation and even pathological behavior. - olddog - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:49 pm: If they drive, they should have a license. Drivers licenses are a public safety measure, not a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. - Just Observing - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:50 pm: Yes, for the sole reason of helping ensure people driving have undergone training and a test. Will it prevent all illegals from driving without a license? No. But it might encourage many to do it the proper way without fear. - Wumpus - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:50 pm: No, get one from their native land. No need to reward criminal behavior. Since no one will enfore the law, why not? - On the real - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:55 pm: A driver’s license is a State matter; Immigration is a federal one. If State legislator’s feel that the undocumented should be allowed driving privileges then so be it. - Andrew - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:56 pm: I support this on several levels, most important of which is that it is the just thing to do. Many of these individuals are trying to work or go to school but are hampered because of their lack of driver’s license. Whether or not we like it, undocumented immigrants are all around us. They are our neighbors, cub scout den moms and friends and children of friends. These people should not be deported and deportation is not a feasible option. Allowing them to drive is hardly granting them citizenship. They should be working legitimate jobs, paying taxes and helping contribute to society and the economy. Allowing driving privileges is a step in the right direction. Bring these people out of the shadows. - 47th Ward - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:57 pm: ===Please enlighten me.=== I’m not sure that’s possible, but think of it this way: undocumented people live here. They drive on our roads. Why wouldn’t we want them to pass a rules of the road test, an eye exam and require them to obtain insurance? They’re here. They’re driving. Let’s make them as safe as possible while the feds sort out the larger immigration issue. - Ahoy! - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:57 pm: I do not believe illegal-undocumented immigrants should be allowed drivers licenses. Although it does beg the question, if there have a government ID, are they now documented illegal immigrants? Maybe I’m trying to use too much logic, but it just does not make sense in this instance. It made perfect sense to give those who were here legally and documented driver’s licenses, but this is a little too far and a little too pandering. I understand the role politics plays in policy, but it’s always best to have good public policy instead of good politics. Just for the record, while I voted no to the drivers license for illegal immigrants, I support the DREAM act and amnesty in a comprehensive national immigration bill. - Skeeter - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:58 pm: This goes more to insurance than anything else. From talking to insurance industry sources, I suspect that some carriers will still refuse to write coverage for undocumented workers since underwriting looks at more than just if the person has a driver’s license. Still, if some carriers provide coverage it could take care of a lot of UM claims against these drivers. I’m not concerned about the “but the law says they shouldn’t be here!” argument. The law says a lot of things. Somehow I doubt that most of the people screaming BUT IS IS THE LAW drive 55. If you are going to scream about enforcing the law, scream about all the laws and not just the laws that fit your perspective. - D.P. Gumby - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:58 pm: Public safety trumps the inefficient, outdated immigration laws. When laws fail to work, alternative structures must compensate. Yes, grant a drivers license. - MrJM - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 1:58 pm: Should Illinois provide drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants? Yes. Because drivers cannot get insurance without a license. And I would like for the drivers with whom I share the roads to be insured. /EnlightenedSelfInterest – MrJM - geronimo - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:11 pm: I meant NOT a right, not now a right. - Wensicia - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:14 pm: Yes, though I wonder if many illegals would fear to apply for one, as their personal information would be in the hands of the government. Many illegals in my town refuse to respond to the census for this reason. - Erik - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:16 pm: This is like a circle-jerk argument. I totally get the argument to have insured drivers on the roads. But the counter argument is valid: now they have a valid ID, are illegals now legal? I say no based soley on the fact if you give them a license, you’ve created a slippery slope. You’re either not supposed to be in the country or you are. We seem to be a nation of band-aids and not cures. We only create more problems and not solutions with ideas like this. - Huh? - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:16 pm: How does obtaining a driver’s license improve public safety? Just becuase a driver has been able to pass a driver test, does not mean that they will operate a vehicle in a safe manner. Furthermore, there are too numerous cases to count where a license has been suspended or revoked and the driver has continued to operate a motor vehicle. - Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:20 pm: ===Just becuase a driver has been able to pass a driver test, does not mean that they will operate a vehicle in a safe manner.=== So… We should get rid of drivers tests? - wordslinger - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:24 pm: Yes, for the obvious reasons of safety and insurance cited by many. For those like geronimo concerned about extending driving privileges to “foreigners,” you are aware that there is not a citizenship requirement for a driver’s license, correct? Illinois driver’s licenses are issued to non-U.S. citizens every day. - Commonsense in Illinois - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:38 pm: As others have said, it’s probably time to do this. But to mollify those on the far right, perhaps SOS can also provide those applying for an Immigrant Drivers License with the application for US Citizenship and a referral to the many service organizations who can help them understand the citizenship application process. - Robert the Bruce - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:51 pm: Yes. I imagine many won’t get a license because of fears they’d end up in a database that could be used against them. But if some do, that’s some revenue for the state in license fees. Plus some will then get insurance, and more insured drivers on the road is a good thing. - Huh? - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:57 pm: My point is the assertion that issuing a drivers license is some how equated to improving public safety is a red herring. - Happy Returns - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:02 pm: I say yes, seems like a common sense thing to do to me. But, since a driver’s license is a document, they will no longer be Undocumented. Will we go back to calling them Illegal? - wordslinger - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:08 pm: –They should be working legitimate jobs, paying taxes and helping contribute to society and the economy then they can have the right just like any LEGAL citizen of Illinois. – By your standards, the great majority of undocumented should get licenses then. Because they are working, they are paying taxes, and they are contributing to society and the economy. - MrJM - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:20 pm: “My point is the assertion that issuing a drivers license is some how equated to improving public safety is a red herring.” And the assertion that issuing a drivers license to undocumented immigrants necessarily condones their unauthorized presence is a crimson clupea harengus. – MrJM - Springfieldish - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:36 pm: An Illinois driver’s license is not “documentation” that in any way changes an individual’s legal or illegal alien status. I cannot believe that this issue is reduced to such word play. We want every driver on the road to be screened for minimum skills and insured. In fact, let’s make it easier for illegal aliens to legally drive on the roads and harder for people from Wisconsin. Them Cheese-heads can’t drive worth diddly! But if they’re illegal AND from Wisconsin, no way. - Strobby - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:45 pm: It doesn’t really matter they will drive anyway. Look how many people drive with no insurance. - Nick Kruse - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:55 pm: “Many of these individuals are trying to work or go to school but are hampered because of their lack of driver’s license.” But they shouldn’t even supposed to be able to work. If they aren’t paying payroll and/or income taxes for the work they do, they shouldn’t be able to get government services. - Nick Kruse - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:57 pm: “Shouldn’t” should have be “aren’t” in my post. - Skeeter - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:00 pm: Nick, In reality, many pay payroll taxes even though they will never collect social security. All of them pay sales taxes. Some even pay income taxes. By the way, the “government services” referenced in this thread is a driver’s license that they will pay for, in order to get insurance which helps protect the rest of us. Seems like a better deal for us than for them. One last note on your post — is the problem that they are stealing our jobs, or is it that they are all on government aid? You probably should give that one some thought before posting again on this subject. - Anonymous - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:01 pm: Huh? Unauthorized entry is not a criminal act, it’s a civil offense. My source is Chris Christie. Jim Edgar, the insurance industry and law enforcement all support this bill because it will enhance traffic safety by reducing the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers on our roads. - Irish - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:10 pm: Rich, Sorry if I offended. I wasn’t trying to be cute. I am just wondering what the motivation is for politicians to push this sort of thing, short of their usual motivation. And I don’t believe that it can be assumed that the license will prompt insuring. There are plenty of citizens who are driving with licenses and no insurance now. - reformer - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:16 pm: Irish Under the previous bill, the newly licensed would be required to submit proof of insurance within a few days or see their driving privileges cancelled. So it’s a much stricter mechanism than applies to the rest of us. - S. Dolopoulos - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:28 pm: No. Non-photo ID driving certificate, similar to Utah? Yes. Full blown driver’s license? No. Driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants conflicts with the REAL ID Act. Nearly every state that has offered driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants recognizes it as a mistake and no longer does so. The 2 states still offering such licenses (New Mexico and Washington) have recently implemented stricter requirements requiring proof of residency. Former Dem. Gov. Bill Richardson, who originally implemented New Mexico’s law in 2003, realized the deep flaws of failing to require strict proof of state residency and helped change the law in 2010. His Lt. Gov., Diane Denish, announced whil running for Governor in 2010 that “she no longer supports the law because it has not worked as intended. ‘Diane Denish does not support giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and would seek to change that law,’ Chris Cervini, Denish’s deputy campaign director.” There have been convictions for fraud under these laws involving hundreds of individuals. Multiple recent cases involve Illinoisans who convicted of crimes ranging from fraud to human smuggling in relation to New Mexico’s law alone. New Mexico hasn’t determined methods of preventing fraud after 9 years, and implementing this policy in Illinois only makes it easier for those with criminal intent to do so. Illinois should learn from the experience and mistakes of others. There is a right way and wrong way to do this. Driving privileges? Yes. Driver’s license? No. - Cheryl44 - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:34 pm: Yes. I want people driving to have to pass a test before they get behind the wheel. - estubborn - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:36 pm: How can Illinois Democrats not be in favor of a solid revenue raiser like issuing a large number of new drivers licenses? Cynicism aside, I’m ecstatic to see Republicans support this measure. Illinois doesn’t need a political football to distract from it’s budget woes. This is good for public safety above all. - Sunshine - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:54 pm: Yes. It’s not legalization. It simply states that they passed a test to show that they know the rules of the road and can drive. It also provides a method to document them. Perhaps the license can identify them as being here illegally? We must deal with facts. Folks that are here illegally for the most part are good, hardworking people. I would likely be sneaking across the border if I were them. In fact, I might just go to Mexico and sneak across myself just for the medical care, housing, and college. - S. Dolopoulos - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 4:56 pm: This does not reduce the number of uninsured motorists: www.ktsm.com/local/nmsu-study-says-drivers-licenses-for-illegal-immigrants-barely-impacts-uninsured-motorist-numb Plus, this is tremendously unpopular in New Mexico. “Democrats” oppose it 59% - 30%. “Independents” oppose it 66% - 25%. “Anglo Voters” oppose it 75% - 17%. “Hispanic Voters” oppose it 62% - 30%. http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/09/12/news/opposition-still-strong-to-license-law.html - GPee14 - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 5:01 pm: So now the state of Illinois is going to make wrong acts right for the sake of safety???? Who are we kidding? Do we currently require foreign guest to get training when they come to Illinois? - Old Timer - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 5:15 pm: Apparently I was the deleted one for being harsh. I really wasn’t trying to be harsh, smart, or derogatory, but apparently my comment didn’t set well. For that I apologize. - Anon - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 5:41 pm: As a police officer I would first ask what proof of identity an undocumented immigrant could or should show to gain a license? If they have to meet the same requirements as an Illinois resident I think it would hard for many of them to even apply for a license. I also don’t agree at all with the argument that this would spur them to obtain insurance. In my experience it’s the cost which keeps even licensed drivers from having insurance. I don’t see most undocumented immigrants spending $100+ a month on insurance. - Paul - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 8:22 pm: They should pass a drivers test and be licensed. - Annie - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:06 pm: Anyone residing here, working hard, and helping to make this state and country a better place should have the opportunity to receive a driver’s license. - Bernie - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:27 pm: They are breaking the law just by being here!!! But lets give them a license. Perfect!!! If you need to go visit the Secretary of States office, you better pack your lunch. - Concerned Voter - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:29 pm: I voted no. It’s more of a principle decision for me than anything else. If the illegal immigrant wants to participate in the many benefits we have as legal citizens of this country and this state, then they should go through the proper channels to accomplish that. By making a special loophole for them to get a license, it bypasses that. And just because they get a license, doesn’t mean they will keep up on the insurance. Just sit in a traffic court room and see how many people, many legal citizens too, are there for tickets for having no insurance or expired insurance. - Thom - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:36 pm: Why don’t you just grant all the illegals citizenship and get it over with. - wordslinger - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:42 pm: S. Dolopolous, if you had bothered reading the post before commenting, you’d understand that the proposal is not a “full-blown” driver’s license. And Pluto, tell us more about the “gifts,” please. Where do we sign up? They’re all in on it, are they? The Dems, Edgar and JBT, the insurance industry, et al? Is there anyone not out to get you? - Where's Mike? - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:44 pm: I voted yes because it will make it easier for law enforcement to arrest and then deport them. Ingenious idea for a law enforcement sting operation!! I’m all for it. - Susan - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:45 pm: It’s smart public policy to have people take a test (driving and written) to get a license. It will make the roads safer and make everyone’s insurance less expensive. I’m all for it! - common sense - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:50 pm: I don’t understand why this has become an “illegals getting benefits like citizens” conversation. As a driver, if i crash into anyone, it’s in my best interests to know who they are and that they at least have taken a driving test and have insurance. That’s all a driver’s license does.It’s common sense. This isn’t giving anyone any kind of status. Not having a license will not stop these people from driving, why not issue them one so that in case you crash with one you won’t be ultimately screwed over until the federal government deals with them? - Jesse S. - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 9:51 pm: I have a classmate who risks deportation every month when she has to drive her ailing mother to the hospital for her regular check-ups. Isn’t deportation a bit of a stiff penalty for those like her who need to drive to school, the church, or hospital? As far as I know, no one has ever tried to fly a car into a skyscraper if that’s what people are worried about. And if someone was intent on it, I don’t think not having a license would stop them anyway. Just saying … - Jurgis Rudkus - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 10:20 pm: It is common sense to get folks licenses and insured. Why would you even want the contrary? - KommonPpl - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 10:52 pm: A DL does not legalize anyone, just makes it easier to all law officials to ID any drives behind the wheel. Not knowing who the driver is, is the real burden… - Il_capo - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 11:08 pm: As soon more ppl have a valid driver licens more secure cars are in the road, also easy ID for any one on a car. legal adress and many other GOOD things - Anon - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 11:10 pm: Hell Yeah! Granted, theres always going to be some idiot that should not be driving, that being said, most folks who can’t get a legit driver’s license are just trying to get to and fro work. And to some of the people who say people shouldn’t get this bc they are committing an illegal act, they should think about who these people are and what they really are doing. If they’re doing something wrong, don’t give them anything, but if they’re jsut driving to work because well most folks aren’t lucky to live down the street from work (like most people), paying bills like everyone else what do they take away from you by having a license? How does this possibly hurt you? - Raymond - Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 11:43 pm: Driver’s License is a state issue: Goal # 1 = Let’s make our Illinois roads safe! Since people drive anyway, Let’s do “Give and Get”! Let’s give the driver’s license by getting proof of insurance. Now, there will be a record of the individual and possible fingerprinting process Annual Renewals with the proof of continued, uninterrupted insurance. No proof of insurance, No license. Immigration issue is separate. It is a Federal issue. People should obey the laws but more importantly people should be kept safe first. - Jane - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 12:20 am: Of course, we’re all human beings! I don’t see how one human being can earn more rights than other just for moving from one place to another. But what it comes down to is… I can’t imagine life without a car, specially not here! - James Martin - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 12:25 am: They are here illegaly. Why should be give them anything? My parensts came to this country and had to do everything right, then became citizens.I say NO to a drivers license. On top of that, confiscate their vehicles too. Just like they do the dope dealers. - Jesse S. - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 1:04 am: A favorite word in almost every comment in this thread by those opposed is the word “illegal.” It is as if the term is immutable and definitive. We have always decided in this country what is legal and illegal, quite wrongly oftentimes. Sorry, but there should be a better reason to be against something than to simply say “It is illegal.” - dupage dan - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 1:25 am: I believe the immigration system in this country is totally out of whack. We should be expanding the numbers of folk who can come to this country to enjoy the fruits of freedom. Unfortunately, that ain’t gonna happen soon. I have read much of what people have written before me. It seems that the issuance of such a permit doesn’t seem to be working elsewhere - even a democrat like Bill Richardson (an Hispanic himself) has apparently decided the system didn’t work very well - very troubled, in fact. I believe the program will pass, nonetheless. Please don’t trouble the GA with facts - I mean they know what’s best for the state (snark snark). One question, tho. What language will the test be given in? I’m not one of those far right language whackos - I think it is a pragmatic thing. All our signs are in English. I think it is of necessity that all immigrants, legal and illegal, who seek to drive in this state with a permit should know enough of our language to navigate safely while driving. I would not support bilingual signs - too costly and too confusing. I mean - how many languages will we be putting on a yield sign? - Mike - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 5:03 am: Safe roads, economic logic, family unity. Comprehensive immigration reform is a different problem and not in the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois. Absolutely we should say yes to driver’s licenses for those who pass the driving test . - nicki - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 5:50 am: I do believe that undocuments immigrants should receive drivers licenses. Is not about to pass a test, but to have the right to drive like anyone else who has a license without being scare about being arrested. Moreover, as a human we are we the right to be treat with respect. There are many cases where people have been arrested because they don’t have license and at the same time they have been descriminated. If immigrant would get a driven license, we may going to be a little bit more safe. I believe that we all like the truth, and without drivers licenses is almost impossible to know in an accident, when is truth when an undocument immigrant has the responsability of having been arrested. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 5:59 am: Yes illegals should be permitted to get a drivers license! - Emily - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 6:55 am: Yes - 8th Republican - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 6:58 am: I’m about the hardest republican you will ever come across… and I’m compassionate towards our immigrant community. Ie. There was a time when the Irish where harrassed abused and considered an immigrant problem. Do we still consider that true? Why are people being so harsh to Hispanics (Mexicans) when more than likely they’re from immigrant families. I know times have changed since then and so times are changing now. I still believe we need some type of immigration reform tied to border security at the federal level but here in Illinois these drivers licenses will provide security on the roads will boost our auto and insurance industry as well as hopefully lower our premiums. We simply should keep in mind hat these drivers licenses are not to establish residency as that would be getting involved with immigration policy. On side note…I hope people have realized that by giving out drivers licenses to illegal immigrants we’ll. Know where they live? Just a thought. - Maria Campagniac - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 7:48 am: All I can say is; Driver licenses === insurance,state revenue,lower insurance prices……and above all ,,,,,,road safety….. - Maria Campagniac - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 7:48 am: All I can say is; Driver licenses === insurance,state revenue,lower insurance prices……and above all ,,,,,,road safety….. - mac - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 7:52 am: It is the right thing to do! - Chitownhv - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 7:52 am: The IRS provides undocumented persons with an ID number to use when filing their taxes. The agency implicitly acknowledges that they are here illegally, yet facilitates the process of paying taxes. I say that if a person has proof that they pay taxes and are otherwise a “productive” member of society, then they should be allowed a license to drive. - Ah HA - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 8:01 am: When I got my license for the first time, I had to prove I was a legal citizen. Maybe things have changed. - wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 8:15 am: –When I got my license for the first time, I had to prove I was a legal citizen.– No, you didn’t. I had many relatives, going back decades, you who were not U.S. citizens that legally received Illinois driver’s licenses. Those who were resident aliens and had Social Security cards had standard licenses. Those who were here temporarily to work had temporary licenses. - RuthOP - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 8:24 am: Absolutely!! - christine - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 8:44 am: We count on undocumented workers to do our “dirty work” (clean hotels, pick fruit and vegetables, back-breaking landscaping, etc.) so I see no problem allowing them to have a SS# and D.L. with insurance. We were all undocumented at one time and set foot on someone else’s soil without papers, an invitation or right to take land that wasn’t ours. We claimed it our “Christian” duty to do so. Our “Christian” duty is to welcome the strangers and foreigners in our midst. - John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt - Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 9:18 am: They should be able to get an international DL. The process for that starts in their home country, no? Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.