(Austin, Texas) Non-citizens legally in Texas will be issued driver's licenses. They'll look different.
Foreign nationals living in Texas must now prove they're in the country legally before getting a state driver's license or identification card -- one that will look markedly different from those issued to U.S. citizens.
"While we welcome legally documented individuals to the Lone Star State, we must ensure that this privilege is not abused by those seeking to enter our country illegally," Gov. Rick Perry said. "These new guidelines will provide additional security."
The licenses and identification cards, which will be vertical instead of horizontal, will also be stamped with the words "temporary visitor" and will list the date their legal residency expires. Advocates for immigrant rights say the change could facilitate profiling.
I don't understand. A guy walks into the DMV and is found to be illegally in Texas. That's identifying the guy, not profiling.
Authorities say that those who do not have proper identification will simply be turned away and denied a license. The information will not be sent to ICE or Homeland Security. In other words, the Texas DMV is conspiring to protect illegal aliens. They won't snitch. Just lovely.
Advocates for immigrant rights? I keep hearing the term "immigrant rights." When did immigrant rights become an issue? Immigrants have the same rights they have had for a while now. Of course, foreign nationals without permission to be here have no rights at all, this is not their country. We have no authority to grant rights to foreign nationals.
Posted by: Ken Pope on October 11, 2008 02:06 PM
I am fed up with those who equivacate immigrants with illegal aliens. My immigrant wife resents it, too. If the other side believes they are on the right side of this issue then why do they resort to propaganda and lies?
Mexico has immigration laws and enforces them. My understanding is that the dialect of Guatemalans is different from that of Mexicans and Mexico does not tolerate it, yet "gringos" are racist for wanting our immigration laws enforced? Which country is really the racist country?
Posted by: Kenneth E. Pope on October 11, 2008 02:14 PM
This is disgusting. I encourage everyone to call any state Texas senator or rep and complain about this! The hope is that the next innocent American who is killed by an illegal with one of these "licenses" will be able to sue the state for aiding and abetting illegal behavior that resulted in death or harm. How pathetic that our own AMERICAN elected officials don't protect AMERICANS!
Posted by: April on October 13, 2008 01:20 PM
"Their information will not be passed on to authorities."
Department of Public Safety...will not enforce the very laws that were written specifically directing them to provide for the public safety. No reporting to ICE or DHS, even when they become aware of a crime. Pathetic.
Texas, the newest sanctuary state. Might as well save the money and shut down the DPS. Why pay them a dime if they refuse to enforce the law? Worse, selective enforcement that exempts an entire class of criminals, putting all Texans at greater risk.
Next time a Texan gets a speeding ticket, he/she should just refuse to show ID and claim to be illegal.
Posted by: Nikita on October 14, 2008 07:39 PM
