NJ Governor's Panel Endorses Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

An Immigration task force appointed by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine recommends that undocumented immigrants be allowed to obtain driver's licenses.

---

The Associated Press State & Local Wire

April 6, 2009 Monday 12:11 AM GMT

Panel urges driving rights for illegal immigrants

BYLINE: By SAMANTHA HENRY, Associated Press Writer

... The panel recently recommended the state extend driving privileges to illegal immigrants. Corzine opposes the move, saying it's up to the federal government to set national guidelines. Washington, Illinois, Maryland and New Mexico are the only four states that do not require proof of lawful U.S. residency to get a driver's license, according to The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Agency spokesman Jason King says Utah also issues driving certificates to undocumented workers, but they are not accepted as official identification, and Hawaii will issue an illegal immigrant a state ID, but not a driver's license.

Supporters say granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants makes the roads safer, because applicants are tested, and they say it cuts down on the number of uninsured drivers. They also argue it helps law enforcement efforts to have more people registered in state databases...