As California goes, so goes the United States, though many around the country hate to admit it. Our state is simply the most populated state in the union so, when things are decided here on the issues of the day, they tend to have an effect that reverberates all over the country . . . well almost. Enter Comprehensive Immigration Reform, how do I know it will pass?
Well, Gov. Jerry Brown is poised to sign a bill that will allow undocumented immigrants (UI) to apply for and receive driver’s licenses. The legislature here in California has been trying during the Davis and Schwarzenegger administrations years to pass such a measure without success. Gov. Gray Davis signed a driver’s license bill in 2003, but he was recalled from his governorship and the law was repealed before it could take effect. Then the Legislature again presented a new bill to the “Governator” and the latter vetoed it.
California has about two million unlicensed drivers who have continued to drive despite the ban because of necessity. This bill will provide them with a legal and safe means to get to work, take their kids to school and visit places of worship, as one legislator puts it. It will prevent needless UI arrests, heavy fines, car impoundment and make sure that all drivers are properly trained, licensed and insured. On other counts, the bill will improve national security because of UI registration and will allow UI to fully contribute to California’s economy.
The licenses given to UI’s will have a recognizable feature on the front and back of them, including various provisions to prevent discrimination, a trade-off many are willing to live with in California. Gov. Brown makes no secret of his intention to sign the bill and adds in a statement that “this bill will enable millions of people to get to work safely and legally.” He continued on to state “hopefully, it will send a message to Washington that immigration reform is long past due.”
Aime M. Katambwe, Esq. is a local Immigration Attorney with World Esquire Law Firm, visit our website www.worldesquire.com for more information.