URGENT
Tennessee quits giving driving certificates to illegal immigrants
Eds: Will be LED.
By LUCAS L. JOHNSON II
Associated Press Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee on Friday quit issuing driving certificates for illegal immigrants so it can reassess the program, Safety Commissioner Jerry Nicely said.
The program was intended to improve driving safety by making sure that immigrants living in the state knew the rules of the road. But recent federal investigations had found that the certificates, which are stamped “not valid for identification,” had prompted immigrants to pay hundreds of dollars on the black market and travel hundreds of miles to get one.
“This program was a good idea in theory, but there have been issues with implementation,” Nicely said. “I want to give it a thorough review to ensure we’re doing what’s best for Tennesseans.”
He said the program is being temporarily suspended until a study of it can be completed. In the meantime, non-citizens who can prove they are in the country legally will be allowed to get the certificates.
Tennessee is among 11 U.S. states that have not required proof of legal residence to obtain driving documents.
The state started in 2001 issuing full driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, without a Social Security number requirement. More than 180,000 obtained licenses before 9-11 fears set in. The driving certificates were created in 2004 to satisfy homeland security concerns and about 51,000 of them were issued.
Nicely said his department has been overwhelmed with applications.
The dumbasses only quit because they couldn't keep up with the demand, not because it was the right thing to do.
BigMack