Governor Jerry Brown of California
(photo courtesy of Associated Press)
Governor Jerry Brown of California passionately declared yesterday on the steps of L.A.'s City hall:
"The rest of this country will have to stand up and take notice.
No longer are undocumented people in the shadows. They are live, well and respected."
But is he really advocating driving licenses for the approximately 1 million undocumented immigrants in California, but not in the U.S. legally?
The response is yes; however, there are many restrictions.
California is indeed the first state to issue licenses to those eligible for work permits under a new policy by the Obama administration.
Immigrants could work in the US for two years without fear of deportation; they would be able to use those documents they received through this federal program as proof of legal residence with which to obtain the license.
Exclusions apply: they would have to be between the ages of 15 to 31 and have arrived in this country before the age of 16. Estimates are that only 1 in 4 would quality
The licenses, once granted would have many restrictions: they could not be used to fly, to obtain voter registration or to receive benefits.
The key question still stands: Will the roads be any safer?
Although those applying will have taken a driver's test, what percentage of those not owning their own cars will be driving with insurance?
The licenses will be issued starting in January, 2015.
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