California repealing new alien-driver law

Washington Times | 11/29/03 | Audrey Hudson

[kattracks]

California lawmakers are moving quickly to overturn a law that allows illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses.

Last Monday, the state Senate repealed the measure on a unanimous 33-0 vote after just four minutes of debate and with the blessings of the bill's original author.

The measure unanimously passed an Assembly committee Tuesday, and the full Assembly is expected to vote on the measure Monday and revoke the law just four weeks before it was scheduled to take effect.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called the special legislative session to address the law last week after he was sworn into office. The law, he said, raises security concerns.

"The governor is very pleased with the Senate's decisive vote and looks forward to the Assembly following suit," spokesman Vince Sollitto said.

An estimated 2 million illegal aliens are of driving age in California, and supporters of the measure say licensing would ensure drivers are properly trained.

Democratic Sen. Gil Cedillo, the bill's sponsor, abandoned his measure before last week's vote as a tactical retreat, rather than surrender, he told the Los Angeles Times.

"This is not easy," Mr. Cedillo said.

Opponents of the law, which was signed by former Gov. Gray Davis, said it encouraged illegal immigration and would give terrorists access to legal identification.

"The governor's concerns with SB60 stem from security issues, as well as the manner in which it became law," Mr. Sollitto said. "That measure had insufficient security standards and was rejected repeatedly by previous governors, and then was suddenly signed into law as [Davis] faced a recall election."

The law allowed California to accept taxpayer identification numbers to obtain a license as opposed to Social Security numbers required by other states. The Washington Times reported in October that the IRS said the agency's own numbers are "not valid for identification."

"If your state is considering legislation to accept TINs as proof of identity for driver's licenses, please alert your legislators to potential security risks," Henry O. Lamar Jr., commissioner of the IRS wage and investment division, said in a letter to governors and state motor vehicle department directors. Driver's licenses provide unrestricted access to most public buildings and air and ground transportation, Mr. Lamar warned.

Activists who support limits to immigration, however, do not see the rollback as a victory.

Dan Stein, executive director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, agrees that the Legislature is engaged in a tactical measure intended to thwart an impending voter referendum in March that would give voters the opportunity to revoke the law.

"The Legislature wants to roll the voters," Mr. Stein said.

"There is a certain smug satisfaction that comes from watching them run with their tales between their legs," Mr. Stein said. "They do have a strategy, but at the moment, they look like cowards."

One political observer said Californians "hate" the law, and if they are given a chance to vote it down, the issue will become "toxic."

Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican and a critic of the law, said "it doesn't mean they've seen the light; it's a tactical move."

"Now all of a sudden they're going to change their minds and work with the governor? I have a feeling someone cut a deal," Mr. Tancredo said.

Mr. Schwarzenegger and Mr. Cedillo had a "courtesy" meeting last week, but Mr. Sollitto dismissed speculation of a deal.

"[Mr. Schwarzenegger] has called for that bill's repeal, but he has also indicated his willingness to look at this issue with an open mind in the next session if folks could find a way to address those security concerns," Mr. Sollitto said.

[Ichneumon]

California repealing new alien-driver law

[Simmy2.5]

Obviously, this issue will not go away (the pro-law breakers will make sure it won't). However, even this temporary victory is a major one. The pro-law breakers can't fool the public all of the time...in turn, will have to watch out when they try this again.

[Charles Henrickson]

[FairOpinion]

"Do some cheer leading.:)"

===

Arnold accomplished more positive things in two weeks, than Davis during his entire 5 years.

[JustPiper]

ping

[Elliott Jackalope]

That's because Davis never did anything from a sense of personal conviction, he only did what people who gave him money wanted him to do. He was the ultimate "cash-and-carry" politician, and he will be remembered as being the biggest tool for special interests the state of California, and indeed the nation has ever known.

I'm not saying that Arnold is perfect or without his faults, but by comparision he represents a vast improvement over Davis.

[Prime Choice]

[Gray Davis] was the ultimate "cash-and-carry" politician, and he will be remembered as being the biggest tool for special interests the state of California, and indeed the nation has ever known.

All true...but the really cool part for me is remembering how Bill Clinton, Al Gore & Jesse Jackson lobbied so hard for voters to reject the recall and keep Gray Davis in office. And what a sound smacking down they got for their trouble. Now that was sweet!

Just as funny was watching the Leftist spinmeisters trying to turn the successful recall into merely an "anti-incumbent" phenomenon; that it wasn't a rejection of the Left's socialist agenda. That was a real knee-slapper. : )

[Joe Hadenuf]

No doubt, a big victory!

The greatest state of the greatest country on earth!

[Tamzee]

The lefties-Greenies-socialists are deeply saddened.... lovely :-)

Go Arnold!

[edchambers]

Arnold accomplished more positive things in two weeks, than Davis during his entire 5 years.

This is what impresses me the most about Arnold.This is one hard working "govenator" and he's doing it for free! I remember not too long ago allot of people on this board saying a vote for Arnold is a vote for Davis or that we should let the state go down the toilet so a "real" republican could be elected.I'm not too surprised though Arnold has worked real hard to excel at everything he's undertaken in life.He's on a mission now to carve himself out a place in history as a great leader, I wouldn't bet against him.

[FairOpinion]

The leftists are having an absolute fit over Arnold -- that tells you something too. :)

California Governor Schwarzenegger launches right-wing agenda (Socialists are having apoplexy)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1030579/posts

[Fledermaus]

Too bad we can't get it dumped in Tennessee. We've had the same law for almost four years and it's bogus and biting us in the buttocks.

Some states won't use our driver's licenses as valid ID and people are suing the state when they get hit by illegal aliens with TN driver issued licenses.

And the government has the audacity to go after businesses that hire illegal aliens when they force us to pay their healthcare, welfare, give them documentation and won't deport them?

This is the United States, not Denmark.

[Kuksool]

Let's hope the repeal of SB 60 will start a national trend against states issuing driver's licenses to illegals. My home state of Illinois came a few votes shy of giving illegals licenses to drive. Also, 13 other states issue driver's licenses to illegals. Thus, it is not a CA problem.

[Sabertooth]

No doubt, a big victory!

A tactical retreat.

"The governor's concerns with SB60 stem from security issues, as well as the manner in which it became law," Mr. Sollitto said. "That measure had insufficient security standards and was rejected repeatedly by previous governors, and then was suddenly signed into law as [Davis] faced a recall election."

< -snip- >

Dan Stein, executive director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, agrees that the Legislature is engaged in a tactical measure intended to thwart an impending voter referendum in March that would give voters the opportunity to revoke the law.

< -snip- >

"The Legislature wants to roll the voters," Mr. Stein said.

Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican and a critic of the law, said "it doesn't mean they've seen the light; it's a tactical move."

"Now all of a sudden they're going to change their minds and work with the governor? I have a feeling someone cut a deal," Mr. Tancredo said.

Mr. Schwarzenegger and Mr. Cedillo had a "courtesy" meeting last week, but Mr. Sollitto dismissed speculation of a deal.

"[Mr. Schwarzenegger] has called for that bill's repeal, but he has also indicated his willingness to look at this issue with an open mind in the next session if folks could find a way to address those security concerns," Mr. Sollitto said.

"Not a deal" just means "no quid pro quo" in politispeak. "Wink, wink."

Schwarzenegger has favored CDLs for Illegals all along. He campaigned on it and it was on his website; he just chose to emphasize the security concerns to get on the right side of the issue in time for the Recall. He also favors Amnesty for Illegals (while claiming he doesn't), supporting John McCain's S. 1461, which is dishonestly called a "guest worker" program, but is really a Stage I Amnesty for Illegals.

That's the reason he wouldn't support the referendum to overturn SB60. Doing it through the legislature is a bait and switch. He'll be back with new and improved CDLs for Illegals, just watch.

[Kuksool]

Driver's licenses for illegals is just the tip of the iceberg. CA allows in-state college tuition for illegals. State agencies accept the Matricular Consular card as valid forms of ID. Several cities passed sanctuary ordinances for illegals. I wonder what Arnold thinks of these other pro-illegal policies.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican and a critic of the law, said "it doesn't mean they've seen the light; it's a tactical move."

"Now all of a sudden they're going to change their minds and work with the governor? I have a feeling someone cut a deal," Mr. Tancredo said.

Mr. Schwarzenegger and Mr. Cedillo had a "courtesy" meeting last week, but Mr. Sollitto dismissed speculation of a deal.

"[Mr. Schwarzenegger] has called for that bill's repeal, but he has also indicated his willingness to look at this issue with an open mind in the next session if folks could find a way to address those security concerns," Mr. Sollitto said.

Hmm. This is a bit worrisome. I trust Tancredo.

[Uncle Hal]

Folks we have to get a ballot measure on the ballot stating that illegals are NEVER to get drivers licenses. Only citizens and people here legally should be able to get licenses. In exchange for the legislatures repeal of the law, Arnold cut a deal with Dem's to sign a bill allowing illegals to drive if it contained certain safe guards. The only way to stop this for sure is with a ballot initiative.

[dalereed]

If the Assembly votes for the repeal we have been defeated!

The best thing that could happen is that the Republicans in the Assembly vote it down (it takes 2/3 to pass as emergency legislation) and have it go to the ballot in March where polls show 70% for the Referendum. There are already ample signatures in hand to place it on the ballot.

With a 70% approval on the ballot the democraps won't dare bring it back, it will be a dead issue. If they vote it down in the Assembly it will be back in January and Arnold will sign a new bill with "background checks".

The Senate approval of the bill isn't victory, it's total defeat!