Driver's license repeal stalled; Democrats snub a Schwarzenegger bid for a compromise

Sacramento Bee ^ | Published November 19, 2003 | Jim Sanders and Ed Fletcher -- Bee Staff Writers

[StoneColdGOP]

State lawmakers signaled Tuesday that they won't move quickly to fulfill Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign pledge to repeal a measure granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

Convening in a special session, Assembly Democrats blocked efforts to immediately repeal the new law, and Senate President Pro Tem John Burton labeled as "racist" the push to kill SB 60.

[StoneColdGOP]

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger offered the possibility of an eventual compromise, saying he would consider allowing licenses for illegal immigrants who undergo background checks -- but only after SB 60 is overturned.

"We want to get rid of it, because it has been done the wrong way," Schwarzenegger said.

Excuse me? Uh, there is no "right way" to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens, governor. They DO NOT BELONG HERE and they DO NOT DESERVE California drivers licenses under any circumstances!

I don't think this is what most Republicans, or voters in general, expected of our new governor.

[Arkinsaw]

If such a thing goes through, there will be no driver's license because no illegal alien is going to voluntarily undergo a background check to get one. If this goes through then the drivers licenses would be identifiable which would prevent them being used for voting. Any that did happen to get issued would have an insurance provision on them which, once again, is a good thing.

Its a smart tactical move.

[Enterprise]

The ony way to do this the "right way" is to organize a petition and put it up to the voters. Perhaps even Governor Arnold will understand then.

[A CA Guy]

This is why we have petitions for the ballot going around CA right now.
We are taking care of this ourselves anyway.

[Republic Rocker]

GET THE WORD BACK OUT! LETS ROLL! NO WAY OVER MY DEAD BODY DO I CAVE INTO ENDANGERING THE SOVRIENTY OF MY STATE AND COUNTRY!

[Plutarch]

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger offered the possibility of an eventual compromise...

Compromise? We don't need no steenking compromises!!!

[So Cal Rocket]

This is why we have petitions for the ballot going around CA right now. We are taking care of this ourselves anyway.

Absolutely! I have personally collected over 200 signatures on the petition for the referendum on this law (the signatures are amazing easy to get). This repeal is MUCH too important to be left up to the Government wonks.

[WileyC]

Bush/Congress could help out Schwarzenegger by proposing legislation to require airlines to check ID at airports before boarding flights... and not allowing ID from states that allow illegal immigrants to get driver's licenses.

Heck, I don't even think it requires a law... just a ruling by the federal aviation board. While we're at it, put the heat on states that make it really easy for illegals of all sorts to get licenses (like my home state of NC).

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Didn't take long did it!

The contest begins!

[Poohbah]

He's triangulating the Democrats.

It's a smart tactical move. The Democrats know that the "background check" will keep illegal aliens from applying for licenses, so they're digging in on this hill, and they're going to make their stand.

And, meanwhile, the initiative process continues.

[ridesthemiles]

The ony way to do this the "right way" is to organize a petition and put it up to the voters. Perhaps even Governor Arnold will understand then

I sent 4 pages of petition signatures yesterday to the group that is organizing same to stop the SB60 in it's tracks for Jan 1 implementation. That would put it on the ballot in March for the voters to put their input into the mix.

This has to stop. These people are here illegally. End of discussion. Would you like to be hit by one of them and get life-long injuries? Call your insurance company and sign up........

[Salgak]

Remember: Diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggie" while you look for a big rock. . . .

[Sabertooth]

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger offered the possibility of an eventual compromise, saying he would consider allowing licenses for illegal immigrants who undergo background checks -- but only after SB 60 is overturned.

"We want to get rid of it, because it has been done the wrong way," Schwarzenegger said.

"If we can make one package together where it's tied to insurance, where it's tied to background checks and all that, then we can move forward with it in a positive way," Schwarzenegger told reporters Tuesday.

No kidding. Can anyone be surprised?

Arnold said all along that his issue was not rewarding Illegals, it was doing so without sufficient background checks.

SB 60 - Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

I am an immigrant. I waited for ten years to get my American citizenship. And I know first-hand how immigrants who come to this country and obey the laws have struggled to achieve their dreams.

But we should not invite fraud or undermine law enforcement. Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the California Sheriff's Association, and the federal government have all expressed security concerns over this measure, and in a time of heightened national security, we should not undermine our nation's immigration laws.

Unfortunately, Governor Davis decided to put his political interests above the people's interest. He signed SB 60 into law even though he vetoed similar legislation before, citing security concerns. But SB 60 actually contains fewer protections than the bill Davis vetoed a year ago.

Under SB 60, there is simply no way to verify that a drivers' license applicant is actually who he says he is or whether he is a criminal or fugitive from justice.
Solving the Immigration Impasse - Schwarzenegger Campaign Website (FR link)

[texastoo]

The illegals don't need a drivers license to board planes. The airlines accept the Mexican consulate I.D.

Bush and Ridge are both aware of this but don't care.

[cksharks]

And just what did you have under your former Gov. Seems like you just want to bitch.

[Sabertooth]

He's triangulating the Democrats.

It's a smart tactical move.

No, it's his actual position. It was in his campaign, and on his website.

Schwarzenegger favors CDLs for Illegals, with background checks.

The lack of what he feels are adequate background checks are the length and breadth of Schwarzenegger's objection jto SB60.

[Poohbah]

The lack of what he feels are adequate background checks are the length and breadth of Schwarzenegger's objection jto SB60.

Well, SB 60 has zero background checks.

Any background check deters illegals from applying for licenses.

[Sabertooth]

This is why we have petitions for the ballot going around CA right now.
We are taking care of this ourselves anyway.

Why is it necessary for us to do it ourselves, exactly?

I know the answer, I just want to see if you'll post it.

[Sabertooth]

Any background check deters illegals from applying for licenses.

Nah, not with a Governor who favors Amnesty for Illegals anyway, and who intends to lobby Washington on behalf of at least one of the Amnesty bills currently being pushed by the GOP in the House and Senate.

[Amerigomag]

, I just want to see if you'll post it.

A real thread killer.