Federal-state conflict over immigration holds up driver’s licenses[Ohio]

Ianus · 02-24-2013, 01:40 PM

I wonder if any Dreamers in Ohio are experiencing problems getting ID as stated in this article.Ohio has joined the list of states not issuing an ID or Driver's License to DACA approved applicants.

Quote:

Illegal immigrants who qualify for a state driver’s license or ID under a federal initiative will not be able to get them — for now.

That standard is not the Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s final decision because it is still seeking clarification from the federal government, said Joe Andrews, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

The initiative is the Department of Homeland Security’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” program, which is intended to allow those who were brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents while younger than 16 a chance to stay here for two years.The initiative does not grant citizenship or status as a permanent resident. Those who qualify pay taxes and can get a Social Security card and work legally. They also pay $465 every two years to qualify. Some argue the Social Security card and work permit given to participants of the federal initiative give the legal standing needed for a driver’s license or state ID.

While the Department of Homeland Security in January clarified the legal presence of those who qualified, an official directive to not grant licenses wasn’t passed down to BMV employees until two weeks ago, Andrews said.

The official BMV directive coincides with aFeb. 8 story on the BMV’s unclear policy published in The Dispatch. Until then, some people were getting licenses while others were denied, Andrew said.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine told The Dispatch this month that, “at first glance,” it’s his opinion that those who qualify for the federal program should be able to get an Ohio driver’s license.

Ever Portillo, a 21-year-old El Salvador native, was brought to Ohio when he was 15. He got his driver’s license from the BMV on W. Broad Street on Tuesday.

His attorney, Brian Hoffman, said his client was denied a license only one week earlier and that Portillo called him discouraged. He said he worries for those without lawyers to explain things to them.

“It’s discouraging for some poor kid who’s walking out with no one to call,” he said.

Severity · 02-24-2013, 02:40 PM

Yeah some people were having that problem. I'm sure it'll get resolved soon

chlehqls · 02-24-2013, 03:45 PM

I got mine in OH around November with little issues. Which ironically enough, I was forced to since MI didn't offer it at the time.

I'm sure this will get cleared up though, just like how MI and others did.

onedaywillbefree · 02-25-2013, 03:09 PM

I got my temp license with my ead and ssn no problem last Dec at the one in columbus ohio

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Federal-state conflict over immigration holds up driver’s licenses[Ohio]