October 13, 2003

Why should we give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants?

It is important that all drivers be insured. I don't want to be driving next to someone who isn't. I certainly don't want to have to deal with the costs after I have been the victim of a hit and run. As long as we make it impossible for many California residents to get insurance, we will continue to have a huge problem of uninsured drivers. Next time you apply for insurance, see how far you get if you leave out your drivers license number.

It is also important that all drivers pass a competence test. All drivers should have to take the lessons needed to learn the laws and learn to drive. I don't want to be driving next to someone who has never demonstrated competence at the DMV.

There is also an important constitutional reason to give drivers licenses to all who do demonstrate competence. We believe in "innocent until proven guilty." If you are proven guilty of being an illegal alien, you get deported. Until then, the government has no power to inflict punishment for any alleged crime.

There is also a basic question of fairness. We allow tourists to drive using their licenses from their home country. There is no citizenship requirement for driving. For illegal aliens who have become California residents, their home is in the U.S., like it or not. This is now their home country. Why would we allow one set of aliens drive but not the other? Certainly not as punishment for their alleged crimes. That would be unconstitutional.

Back when Govornor Schwarzenegger was an illegal alien, working for a salary without a Green Card, he was able to drive. He was a productive member of society, and he managed to do well for himself. He worked hard and became a citizen. He had a chance. Other aliens deserve the same chance.

Richard M. Mathews

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