Some excerpts from another article I found relating to this: (my comments in parenthasies)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - In the name of homeland security, motorists are going to see costs skyrocket for driver's licenses and motor vehicle offices forced to operate like local branches of the FBI, the nation's governors warn.
The new federal law squeezed this spring into an $82 billion spending bill had Republican and Democrat governors fuming at their summer meeting here, and vowing to bring their complaints to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at a Monday meeting.
"It's outrageous to pass this off on the states," said Republican Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, incoming chairman of the National Governors Association. "You're essentially asking the front-line clerks at the DMV to become an INS agent and a law enforcement agent." (Shouldn't we all be keeping our guard up? It's our country, and it's all of our responsibility to protect it....)
The law that passed in June goes beyond an earlier law that sought to standardize state driver's licenses, requiring that states verify license applicants are American citizens or legal residents. ( I think this is a good idea personally)
"This is going to drive the cost of driver's licenses for ordinary folks through the roof," said Democrat Tom Vilsack of Iowa. "I think it's going to drive people crazy." (depends how much it increases. A few bucks per person would be worth it)
The law would demand skills of motor vehicle office clerks far beyond what is currently expected, governors said.
(IMHO, not much is expected as of now, look at some of the other drivers on the road who have no buisness being there....Maybe this will encourage them to do their jobs better?)
Democrat Bill Richardson of New Mexico said the law, known as the REAL ID Act, unconstitutionally infringed upon state laws such as his, where illegal immigrants have been able to get licenses.
New Mexico's approach made roads safer since licensed immigrants could get insured, helped the state keep track of immigrants, and also helped integrate immigrants into the community, he said. (I'd have to research this some, but not sure I agree that the roads are safer...As for keeping track of immigrants it may help some. Integration is certainly possible, but I'd like to see more info on it.)
"It's a shortsighted, ill-conceived initiative," Richardson said. "We'll challenge it constitutionally." (sounds like a knee-jerk response to me)
***My commentary ***
It sounds like a good plan to me, although I don't have all the facts. I think alot would depend on how much the increases would be, and how would it impact everyone. Would be interesting to see some statistics from New Mexico that show any real benefit from providing licenses to illegal aliens.
Erik
