The Chicago
Tribune report yesterday that a new measure that would allow up to
250,000 illegal immigrants to receive a drivers license passed through the Senate
Executive Committee and the entire Senate could vote on the new law by next
week. Under
the program, undocumented immigrants would be eligible for the special,
three-year licenses to drive a vehicle. It would be a different in color from a
regular driving license. It also cannot be used for identification purposes,
such as for boarding a plane, buying a gun or voting.
Senate
President John Cullerton supported the bill stating that the law would make
Illinois roads safer. Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran testified in favor
of the bill, saying immigrants are driving to schools, stores and church even
when they are undocumented and don’t have
licenses. “Ultimately,” Curran said, “law enforcement would
much rather go after the bad guys and not just people that are trying to get to
work and school.”
“At
a time of diminishing police forces, I believe that it’s imperative that we use
our resources wisely,” Curran said. “Licensing and insuring all
immigrant drivers will ease the burden on jails and courts, which are currently
drained by holding people solely for driving without a license or
insurance.”
This
new bill could receive some criticism from Illinois residents and nationally. I
think these critics are wrong. There are two major reasons I support this
legislation. First, it will make the roads safer for everyone. Allowing
illegal immigrants to obtain a license will force them to learn the Illinois
rules of the road. They must pass the written exam just like everyone else.
Although I have not read the proposed bill, there is a chance that they will have to take a driver’s test as well to prove they are capable of driving
on the road. Further, without a valid license, drivers cannot obtain car
insurance. More insured drivers will protect injury victims who may be involved
in car accidents with immigrant drivers. What if one of your family members is involved
in a car crash with an illegal immigrant? Who is going to pay for their medical
bills, pain and suffering and lost wages? More insured drivers protects
everyone.
Second, I have
represented dozens of illegal immigrants in traffic and criminal court for
driving without a license. These are hard working men and women trying their
best to support their families. These are not bad people or criminals and
needlessly punishing them only makes their effort to support their families
that much more difficult. These immigrants are also driving their kids to
school. Why should they have to drive in fear every time they try to drop their
children off? As was mentioned above, police officers and state troopers would much
rather focus their attention on violent and dangerous criminals.
If you or someone you
love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then
call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at
312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.