New Nevada driver's license laws drawing ire from immigrants

Las Vegas Sun ^ | 10/13/2003 | Associated Press

[JennysCool]

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Hispanic activists in Las Vegas are criticizing new state laws making it harder for people from some states to obtain a Nevada driver's license.

"Basically, they're saying, 'Let them do our dirty work, but let's not really treat them like human beings or Americans,'" said Thomas Rodriguez, author of books on the Mexican immigrant experience and manager of diversity and affirmative action at the Clark County School District.

But several legislators and proponents defend the new laws, saying they fulfill requirements of the federal Homeland Security Act and block undocumented immigrants from getting cutting corners on the citizenship process.

"There's nothing the state of Nevada can do about protecting the nation's borders," said Janine Hansen, president of the conservative Nevada Eagle Forum. "But we don't have to make it easier for illegals once they get here."

Hansen said driver's licenses provide "de facto citizenship."

At issue are two laws passed this year letting the Department of Motor Vehicles refuse a driver's license to people who arrive from states with less stringent standards for issuing licenses.

The laws go into effect in January, at the same time California is expected to implement a new law letting undocumented immigrants obtain driver's licenses.

Activists called the new Nevada laws discriminatory, noting that Nevada lawmakers approved the use of Mexican government-issued cards, known as matriculas, as identification for activities such as opening bank accounts.

Miguel Barrientos, president of the Mexican-American Political Association of Las Vegas, said undocumented immigrants drive with or without licenses. He said licensing would help keep track of people, while ensuring that those new to the state would get car insurance and learn rules of the road.

Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, said stricter licensing laws are not anti-immigrant. She said the state simply wasn't ready to license illegal immigrants to drive.

"Approving use of the matricula was a big step for Nevada," she said.

Idalia Marquez, 25, immigrated to California from Mexico 13 years ago and has been in Nevada two months. Taking her driving test at a DMV office in North Las Vegas, she said states should honor other states' driver's licenses.

"Every state in the United States should be the same," she said. "It's one country and everyone should be treated equally."

[kingu]

"Basically, they're saying, 'Let them do our dirty work, but let's not really treat them like human beings or Americans,'" said Thomas Rodriguez, author of books on the Mexican immigrant experience and manager of diversity and affirmative action at the Clark County School District

Ohh, durn Mr Liberal Man.. That's the whole crux of the issue -- They're not Americans. If they don't like our laws, they can stop breaking them and go back to their homes, in Mexico.

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[Betty Jane]

"Every state in the United States should be the same," she said. "It's one country and everyone should be treated equally."

This lady is exactly correct. All states should treat everyone equally by asking for proof of resideence and proof of citizenship. Somehow, I don't think that is what she wants.

[SunStar]

"Basically, they're saying, 'Let them do our dirty work, but let's not really treat them like human beings or Americans,'" said Thomas Rodriguez, author of books on the Mexican immigrant experience and manager of diversity and affirmative action at the Clark County School District.

No, they're saying that your people should LEGALLY immigrate to this country, not cut in line by jumping the border illegally. It's pretty simple if [un]common sense is utilized.

[martin_fierro]

[SunStar]

He said licensing would help keep track of people, while ensuring that those new to the state would get car insurance and learn rules of the road.

No need. Mexican citizens in this country can drive with their Mexican-issued driver's license. Nice try.

[Eastbound]

"Immigrant" = ILLEGAL ALIEN.
"Undocumented immigrant" = ILLEGAL ALIEN
"anti-immigrant" = anti ILLEGAL ALIEN.

[SunStar]

"Every state in the United States should be the same," she said. "It's one country and everyone should be treated equally."

Agreed. States like California should not be allowed to circumvent U.S. border and immigration laws. Kudos to Nevada for not caving in to the pressure groups.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[Lee Heggy]

When are they going to get it through their heads that they are NOT Americans in the sense of being citizens of the United States? They are here illegally and they are Mexican.

[ladyjane]

Every state in the United States should be the same

Every immigrant should be legal and required to know some history of this country, especially about state's rights. Oh, and they should speak English.

[tophat9000]

Good

[stylin_geek]

"Every state in the United States should be the same," she said. "It's one country and everyone should be treated equally."

Obviously, another person who has no concept or understanding of Federalism and States rights.

[pogo101]

Yup. As Sonny Bono once said, The thing about illegal immigration? It's illegal.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Right, Nevada is looking better for a retirement adobe!

[taxcontrol]

undocumented immigrants

---

Sorry folks, there is no such thing as an "undocumeted immigrant".

If they come to this nation legally, they are documented. If they come illegally they are "illegal aliens".

I have no problem giving a driver's license to a LEGAL immigrant. In fact, I encourage it. However, illegals should be treated as such and sent back from whence they came - after an appropriate period of time in a hard labor prison.

[FourtySeven]

Idalia Marquez, 25, immigrated to California from Mexico 13 years ago and has been in Nevada two months. Taking her driving test at a DMV office in North Las Vegas, she said states should honor other states' driver's licenses.

Umm, no they shouldn't. That's the whole point of strengthening the DL laws, to prevent people from going to states with lax DL laws, getting a license, then moving to a state with more strict laws. In addition to helping to prevent illegals from obtaining a license, it will also help put a stop to identity theft, and other types of fraud related to illegally obtained DL's.

Mark my words, this "politically correct" crap is going to be the death of this country, in the LITERAL sense.

[night reader]

...illegals should be treated as such and sent back from whence they came - after an appropriate period of time in a hard labor prison.

And NEVER, EVER thereafter be eligible to obtain a visa to return here.

[taxed2death]

I think someone left the word ILLEGAL out of the title.