Oregon to Debate Granting Driver's Licenses to Illegals

A debate over a proposed law that would give illegal immigrants the ability to get driver's licenses in Oregon has some aghast at the possibility, KOIN-TV News reported Monday.

The Senate Transportation and Economic Development Committee will hear from the public about the proposed law that would give special driver's licenses to people who can't produce the required identification, such as a birth certificate, to get an Oregon license.

The state-issued identification card would allow driving privileges but would not allow a person to obtain a concealed handgun permit or register to vote.

Jim Ludwig, president of the anti-illegal immigration group Oregonians for Immigration Reform, said a member of a drug cartel could easily obtain a license to legally drive in Oregon.

“The most important document an illicit drug dealer has is a driver’s license so they can drive from one state to another and deal illicit drugs.”

Ludwig added that someone who's in the country illegally isn't going to feel the need to purchase auto insurance.

Proponents of the bill say it will promote safe driving, and that the bill will also help residents who have lost their birth certificates or have a tough time tracking one down.