HALBROOK OPPOSED TO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

On Tuesday, State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) voiced his opposition to a proposal that will allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.  Senate Bill 957, opposed by Halbrook, would create temporary visitor driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants residing in Illinois.

“This is the wrong approach to deal with immigration policy and it is an ill-advised program that defies the United States Constitution,” said Rep. Halbrook.  “Obtaining a driver’s license is a privilege that must be earned.  I cannot support legislation that will grant additional privileges to individuals who continue to flaunt our laws and remain in our country illegally.”

SB 957, which has passed the Senate and House, would allow the Secretary of State to issue temporary visitor driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants which would be valid for three years.  Applicants would be required to submit a valid, unexpired passport from their country of citizenship and pay a minimum fee of $30.  They must also comply with Illinois mandatory insurance requirements.

Halbrook said the proposal lacked a number of important fraud and public safety safeguards, and was opposed by local law enforcement agencies.  “This bill did not require these individuals to be fingerprinted.  It did not require a notice to be sent to the Secretary of State when insurance coverage is cancelled or terminated.  What we will see with this new law is an increase of illegal immigrants traveling to Illinois to obtain an I.D.  That is not something that the people of the 109^th district support,” said Halbrook.