The Virginia Senate Transportation Committee killed a bill last Wednesday that would have allowed illegal aliens living in the state to receive driver’s licenses. Senate Bill 1345 (S.B. 1345), introduced by Senator Scott Surovell (D-36), would have allowed illegal aliens to receive “driver’s privilege cards” so long as the individual filed an individual tax return with the Commonwealth within the preceding year and meets all insurance requirements. Senator Surovell referred to the measure as “licenaias para todos legislation.”
Opponents raised concerns that S.B. 1345 would increase security risks, as driving privilege cards may be mistaken as a valid form of identification. A “driving privilege card” does not meet requirements set by federal law under the REAL ID Act to be used for federal identification purposes, which include boarding an aircraft or entering a federal building. Under this measure, a “driving privilege card” differs from a standard Virginia driver’s license because the card could only be accepted for driving purposes.
The Committee voted party lines, 7-6, to defeat the measure. “We have a primary obligation for that primary document to do the verification that would be required for a driver’s license or an identification card,” commented Senator Steve Newman (R-23) who, voted against S.B .1345. “We heard from our State Police that is not doable, and it’s certainly not doable under this bill,” he added.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart also opposed the measure. “Why should we issue a legal ID to someone who is here illegally? It’s wrong,” said Chairman Stewart. “The state should not be complicit in helping people who are here illegally and breaking U.S. law,” he added.
House Bill 1682, a similar bill, is currently being considered in the General Assembly. Following S.B. 1345’s defeat, however, the legislature is unlikely to move forward this session with another bill granting illegal aliens with driver’s licenses.
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About these Bills in Virginia: I am a Legal, Permanent Resident, Green Card holder of the US since 1964. I also served in US Military. A number of years ago NISCI switched to the new format , I thought it was “optional”. It wasn’t. When it came time to renew my “perfect driving record” driver’s license, I couldn’t get my driving privilege renewed because I didn’t have the NEW card. Had to wait for the lengthy (over 12 months) process to obtain the new card. Cannot, for the life of me, understand why these illegals are able to get driving licenses, and even VOTE!!! It has always been illegal for anyone not born or naturalized citizen to do either. How is this even allowed? Much less get a Social Security Card to work without proper documentation. I came here LEGALLY, and had to follow the mandates of the government. What makes these people so special?
You have been here since 1964 and are still not a citizen? I say you have overstayed your visa. Join us or go home.
should have shown: “state issued” license
It is about time elected officials have used common sense. If you are not a citizen you should not have a “state issued”
nor the ability to vote in any election. That is the privilege of being a citizen. And if you look at any other country, I believe they have the same rule.
Daniel it shows you don’t know things….. a green card holder, etc….can have DL……if you are only a citizen?…..
Illegals should get NOTHING. What part of here illegally which is a criminal action…. a crime against USA!
People won’t recognize that it’s not just Mexicans coming across our borders, that’s the reason for wall. Now, as far as a driver’s license, no way in hell should these illegals get any, not even provisional license. And if anybody thinks they’ll fill out a tax return just of a license, really?
This is a No-Brainer
Giving a foreign national a permanent US Driver’s License [versus a visa with temporary use of your own country’s license] is anarchy and creates possible voter fraud too.
States that do give ’em out like candy should be probed for voter fraud, with politician indictments?
Legal immigrants can use their drivers license from home country to get international drivers license
Illegal immigrants are not supposed to be here so why would they need a drivers license? Just turn yourself in and get free ride home.
I prefer all states practice the same. Illegal aliens should have the I.D. for driving only.
Thank you! They drive anyways and clog the roads, but if they are not here legally they should not be allowed a legal drivers license! It’s just common sense and I am glad the people in charge figured they out.
No benefits our Muslim laws allowed inthe United States..No covering your face in America for any reason…They should be frisked at airports just like Americans,,no burquas !!!
Speaking of covering your face, there needs to be a law to stop people from doing it during these so called
“protests”. All they are doing is trying to avoid identification by law enforcement when they commit violence. It can be a slippery slope but they are the ones bringing it on.
Agreed, else just do not attend the demonstration….that is a good point Leland and a fine line…”integration”…but then we have a short circuit…our Constitution…..freedom of Religion and beliefs that stems to covering their faces……so a complex matter….
It is factual, not all muslims are extremists. Even Muslims themselves get killed … so it seems depending on demographics the land will belong in the next 100 years to the ones in majority,
BUT after the election the 68% of whites etc were heard loudly so let’s keep on not just make babies BUT make the rest of the country financial engines like CA, NY close to France within the best 10 in the world…….