NYT: "Unlicensed Drivers Who Risk More Than a Fine" (illegal immigrant drivers in Ga.)

[alp227]

(edited for copyright purposes-proud patriot Moderator Democratic Underground)

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — It was just another suburban fender-bender. A car zoomed into an intersection and braked too late to stop at a red light. The Georgia woman driving it, an American citizen, left with a wrecked auto, a sore neck and a traffic fine.

But for Felipa Leonor Valencia, the Mexican woman who was driving the Jeep that was hit that day in March, the damage went far beyond a battered bumper. The crash led Ms. Valencia, an illegal immigrant who did not have a valid driver’s license, to 12 days in detention and the start of deportation proceedings — after 17 years of living in Georgia.

Like Ms. Valencia, an estimated 4.5 million illegal immigrants nationwide are driving regularly, most without licenses, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Only three states — New Mexico, Utah and Washington — currently issue licenses without proof of legal residence in the United States.

Many states have adopted tough new laws to prevent illegal immigrants from driving, while expanding immigration enforcement by the state and local police. As a result, at least 30,000 illegal immigrants who were stopped for common traffic violations in the last three years have ended up in deportation, Department of Homeland Security figures show. The numbers are rapidly increasing, aggravating tensions in the national debate over immigration.


(Snip)

Full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/10license.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

See the passage about jobs? That shows the importance of penalizing businesses that hire those illegal immigrants and of making a more clear path to citizenship!!!! Oh yeah, drop that stupid "hemispheric quota" from the 1965 Immigration Act too.

And why oh why did the New York Times have to weave in the DREAM Act (having to do with students who are working hard and wanting to be successful) with a story about bad drivers?

2009 thread about the Georgia proposal for English-only driver's tests.

[bluestateguy]

1. I feel strongly that a driver's liscence is a privilege and not a right

And that it is absolutely the right of a state to limit DL's to only citizens and legal residents.

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. I really don't feel any sympathy for either woman.

One was breaking the law for 17 years, and one was piloting a car while not paying attention.

Shit happens, and it's not always good shit.

English only drivers tests I don't agree with, but the ability to interpret English language traffic signs I'd support. Alto the madness!

[msanthrope]

3. Driving is a privilege, and not a right.

I despise insurance scofflaws.