Connecticut to allow illegal immigrants to get driving license

pavpatel · 06-01-2013, 07:02 AM

Quote:

By Richard Weizel
MILFORD, Connecticut (Reuters) - Connecticut joined other U.S. states that allow illegal immigrants to get a driver's license, with the state Senate narrowly approving the measure on Thursday without a single Republican vote.
Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy said he would sign the bill, which passed the Senate by a 19-16 vote, after a highly divisive debate that lasted overnight.
"This bill is first and foremost about public safety. It's about knowing who is driving on our roads, and doing everything we can to make sure those drivers are safe and that they're operating registered, insured vehicles," Malloy said.
It was previously approved by the House, and no Republicans in either chamber voted in favor.
The new law, which will make 54,000 undocumented immigrants eligible for a driving license, takes effect on January 1, 2015. There are about 120,000 illegal immigrants in Connecticut.
Several other states, including Maryland, Illinois and Oregon, adopted similar legislation this year. Illegal immigrants are already licensed to drive in New Mexico, Washington and Utah.
Among the Republicans denouncing the bill was Senator Toni Boucher, ranking member of the Senate's Transportation Committee, who said a recent poll of Connecticut residents showed overwhelming opposition to the move.
"Convicted felons outside Connecticut can come here and have a driver's license within 90 days, and that is deeply disturbing to me," said Boucher, who made an impassioned plea against the bill on the Senate floor.
The bill's supporters argued it would ensure undocumented immigrants are given driving tests and the right to obtain car insurance. The measure could also provide additional state revenue from registration fees and car taxes, they said.
"This is an important public safety measure that ensures drivers on the road possess the necessary qualifications and insurance," said Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney.
"Reliable transportation is a necessity in modern life. The need to earn a living does not vanish just because a person does not have the appropriate immigration credentials. Most undocumented immigrants would like to operate vehicles within the law."

http://news.yahoo.com/connecticut-al...183519088.html

loquito23 · 06-01-2013, 10:42 AM

I live in CT and these are great news! But i dont know why it will go in effect until 2015..

dtrt09 · 06-01-2013, 12:29 PM

Oh, God another 2015. Because having unlicensed drivers on CT roads for the next 18 months is doing everyone a favor 'till then. And from a Democrat again. I am not seeing things where I want to see them, I don't care what anyone says. Hahahahaha.

dtrt09 · 06-01-2013, 12:34 PM

Oh, and yesterday the Republican Nevada governor signed a bill granting legitimate driving permits to all undocumented drivers in the state. Proposed in December 2012 and now is law.

Demise · 06-01-2013, 05:46 PM

So much butthurt in the comments.

Happyman0607 · 06-01-2013, 06:58 PM

Awesome, if CIR doesn't pass atleast I know where I will take my aunt to get her license

DA User · 06-01-2013, 10:18 PM

Does an undocumented have to live there for certain time to get it?

Pianoswithoutfaith · 06-01-2013, 10:20 PM

I dont know you tell us DA USER

gebodupa · 06-01-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happyman0607

Awesome, if CIR doesn't pass atleast I know where I will take my aunt to get her license

Unfortunately, this document will only be a driving permit valid in the state of Connecticut. It will not even function as a federal ID and it will be labeled as "for driving purposes only".

I would not suggest using it until you have a very clear idea of how it will be seen in states outside of CT.

2Face · 06-01-2013, 11:02 PM

Great initiative by the CT legislature but it makes absolutely no sense to have it go into effect in 2015. By then CIR will have already passed LOL.

They need you!

Forum links

Resources

Join our list

National calendar of events

March

Connecticut to allow illegal immigrants to get driving license