Posted on 04/30/2004 9:23:04 AM PDT by John Jorsett
SACRAMENTO – Locked in delicate negotiations, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state Sen. Gil Cedillo have struggled to narrow their differences over divisive legislation to give illegal immigrants the right to have driver licenses.
Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, and the governor's negotiating team are pondering background checks, including requiring applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints, at least two identification documents and proof of address.
In addition, the two sides are looking at withholding licenses from illegal immigrants who have criminal records. People from countries considered to be state sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran, Sudan and Syria, also would be ineligible.
The focus of the talks is outlined in an internal, unsigned Cedillo memo that details the outstanding issues. Cedillo declined to be interviewed yesterday and a governor's spokesman also declined to comment on the memo.
There are no pressing deadlines to reach an agreement and Cedillo has been careful not to publicly push Schwarzenegger, who has been embroiled in other high-profile matters such as the recent workers' compensation overhaul.
Security remains a dominant theme in the drawn-out battle over driver licenses. Schwarzenegger and Cedillo have alluded to it vaguely in past discussions, but recently have shied away from yielding specific proposals.
The memo goes into detail, including a discussion of whether the state should accept only an original birth certificate and a passport or official identification card from the applicant's home country. The consular-issued ID card would have to meet California's strict anti-fraud standards.
Applicants would be responsible for the cost of fingerprinting and computerized background checks. The combined cost would be about $140 for a license.
The memo also addresses two other volatile issues: whether obtaining a license would make it easier for an illegal immigrant to serve on juries and obtain a gun permit.
Under consideration is a plan to require the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide data to jury commissioners so they can weed out those ineligible to serve. The DMV also would provide the state attorney general with information that can be used to set off warnings if an illegal immigrant applies for a gun permit.
The memo suggests that the two sides have agreed on little, but there is consensus on a uniform appearance for all licenses, that the state's decision should not hinge on a federal guest-worker program and that any compromise should be carried in an urgency bill requiring a two-thirds vote in each house. Such legislation cannot be overturned through a referendum.
Nearly three years ago, former Gov. Gray Davis vetoed similar legislation in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Last fall, Davis signed a bill with little security precautions, prompting charges that he was pandering to Latino voters. His signature helped fuel the recall drive that ultimately propelled Schwarzenegger into office.
The issue also could swing legislative races, particularly in Republican primaries two years from now.
Schwarzenegger, in one of his first acts as governor, signed legislation repealing the law that would have allowed illegal immigrants to obtain licenses starting this year. Opponents argued that it would be rewarding illegal behavior.
Schwarzenegger, a legal immigrant, has repeatedly suggested he could support a revised measure with stronger safeguards. However, recently he has expressed more doubts, particularly over the viability and legality of background checks.
Compromise is "very complicated. But it is possible," he said on April 16.
In an interview March 30, Schwarzenegger also raised concerns over paying for the program, providing affordable insurance and securing legislative support.
"We don't have the answers yet," he said.
Being in front on the issue could be a risky position for the governor, political observers say.
"Provided he can plausibly address the security concerns, he might be able to sign some kind of legislation without much damage," said Jack Pitney, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.
"He has to make a strong case that it's not just a rerun of the version he made the Legislature repeal," Pitney added.
Lawmakers are another story, he said.
"The biggest risk is for Republicans who might face a primary challenge," Pitney said. "This is an issue that can move enough Republican primary voters to give members pause."
A leading conservative said he would marshal opposition against any Republican who votes for extending driving privileges to those here illegally.
"A politician who wants a political future in this state won't vote for licenses for illegals," said Mike Spence, president of the California Republican Assembly. The conservative group led last year's referendum campaign against the original measure.
The issue dominated a tight, three-way Assembly Republican primary in Ventura County. Audra Strickland, the narrow winner, was attacked for a vote her husband – outgoing Assemblyman Tony Strickland – cast in support of driver licenses for illegal immigrants.
"It played heavily. It drove up her negatives," said Tony Strickland, R-Moorpark.
Cedillo has maintained that his legislation will make roads safer by requiring illegal immigrants to pass tests and obtain auto insurance.
Supporters estimate there are as many as 2 million illegal immigrants driving to jobs.
Which means that a California driver license would no longer be acceptable as proof of legal residency in the US. How stupid is that?
If Schwarzenegger wants to derail his governorship, he'll sign something like this. Any credibility he has with conservatives will evaporate, and we'll referend it anyway. He has nothing to gain from this issue, unless he wants to befriend the leftist loons that inhabit the legislature, who won't hesitate to stab him in the back at the first opportunity anyway.
Anybody but me see the irony in this sentence????
Dr. Seuss, the Sneeches want stars on their bellies again!
Pact Sought On Licenses For Illegal Immigrants Aliens
Background checks for drivers considered...
No need for that. They're here illegally. Deport them.
Locked in delicate negotiations... to give illegal immigrants aliens the right to have driver licenses.
They have the right to equal treatment under the law and that is all they have a right to. Deport them.
The memo also addresses two other volatile issues: whether obtaining a license would make it easier for an illegal immigrant to serve on juries and obtain a gun permit.
End your ongoing concern over volatile issues by deporting them.
... any compromise should be carried in an urgency bill requiring a two-thirds vote in each house. Such legislation cannot be overturned through a referendum.
Totally unacceptable.
Supporters estimate there are as many as 2 million illegal immigrants driving to jobs.
Aiders and abettors of illegal aliens estimate there are as many as 2 million illegal immigrants aliens driving to jobs they are not legally entitled to have. It is unknown if those vehicles are registered or if the illegals have purchased car insurance.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.