Unauthorized immigrants to get licenses (CA)

[alp227]

Source: UT San Diego

State lawmakers Thursday night approved historic legislation that would allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain a special drivers license, but it could not be used as identification to board planes, collect public benefits or register to vote.

Gov. Jerry Brown immediately issued a statement saying he will sign the measure, which was shaped to meet his specifications.

“This bill will enable millions of people to get to work safely and legally,” he said. “Hopefully, it will send a message to Washington that immigration reform is long past due.”

The law will bring to an end a decade of legislative attempts to provide licenses for those here illegally.

Read more: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/12/senate-passes-contested-drivers-license-with-a/all/

[NYC_SKP]

1. Heads are exploding all around the state!

[MADem]

2. It's a win-win.

The licenses will have a marker on them so they are distinguishable from "ID" licenses, AND the state gets a load of money from the fees these people will pay to be licensed to drive legally.

[Comrade Grumpy]

3. They're here, they steer, get used to it.

[Liberty Belle]

4. In CA you have to have insurance if you get a license, so this is safer for all motorists.

I was seriously injured by an under-insured motorist (a citizen who was an idiot) but at least there was some minimal coverage. So I am all for anything that makes sure anyone behind the wheel has insurance.

But based on the comments of the readers at the UT, it's obvious most are not using their brains.

[Hekate]

5. It sure will make the roads safer. I've been in favor of this for years.

[Igel]

6. "get to work."

Would those be the millions of jobs Brown implies are illegally held, for which the employers should be fined?

And what he's saying is that he wants to make it easier and safer for people to commit a crime?

That just seems implausible. But clear.