2008 Woodie Awards
Let them drive
Temporary immigrants are severely affected by new Michigan law
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Editorial
New state legislation preventing temporary immigrants from getting a driver's license is at best unwelcoming and at worst discriminatory.
The law, enacted Jan. 22, denies licenses to illegal and temporary immigrants. Caught in the fray are immigrants with student and work visas who now are unfairly unable to drive - a sum of 400,000, according to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Given Michigan's woeful public transportation infrastructure, illegal immigrants now are faced with an infuriating encumbrance, which will cripple numerous aspects of their daily routines.
Fortunately, an amendment has been proposed to remedy much of this. This should be approved soon.
The law, though reasonable for illegal immigrants, has no compelling cause to categorically restrict the legal privileges of international students and workers.
If the concern is that immigrants are not adequately prepared to drive in Michigan, then they should be subject to the evaluative measures already in place to decide whether native 16-year olds are capable of driving. An examination - written, practical or both - could determine whether an immigrant should be able to drive.
An immigrant's driving record in his or her native country also could be considered, restricting those with an abysmal record. Of course, foreign records, which weigh whether a driver knows and follows foreign traffic laws rather than Michigan's, can determine only a limited amount.
The broad, categorical refusal embodies the worst of blanket legislation. It does not consider what actually constitutes a decent driver; it imposes only some arbitrary distinction given a disproportionate amount of credence.
Better integrating temporary immigrants into the state's driving system, perhaps through an accelerated version of driver's education, would be a welcoming and positive gesture toward the international community. It would declare that Michigan cares enough to consider more subtle measurements on their behalf.
The law, enacted Jan. 22, denies licenses to illegal and temporary immigrants. Caught in the fray are immigrants with student and work visas who now are unfairly unable to drive - a sum of 400,000, according to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Given Michigan's woeful public transportation infrastructure, illegal immigrants now are faced with an infuriating encumbrance, which will cripple numerous aspects of their daily routines.
Fortunately, an amendment has been proposed to remedy much of this. This should be approved soon.
The law, though reasonable for illegal immigrants, has no compelling cause to categorically restrict the legal privileges of international students and workers.
If the concern is that immigrants are not adequately prepared to drive in Michigan, then they should be subject to the evaluative measures already in place to decide whether native 16-year olds are capable of driving. An examination - written, practical or both - could determine whether an immigrant should be able to drive.
An immigrant's driving record in his or her native country also could be considered, restricting those with an abysmal record. Of course, foreign records, which weigh whether a driver knows and follows foreign traffic laws rather than Michigan's, can determine only a limited amount.
The broad, categorical refusal embodies the worst of blanket legislation. It does not consider what actually constitutes a decent driver; it imposes only some arbitrary distinction given a disproportionate amount of credence.
Better integrating temporary immigrants into the state's driving system, perhaps through an accelerated version of driver's education, would be a welcoming and positive gesture toward the international community. It would declare that Michigan cares enough to consider more subtle measurements on their behalf.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 22
michmediaperson
posted 2/11/08 @ 1:06 AM EST
Under no circumstances should Michigan give ILLEGALS (people who have snuck into this country) a driver's license. If they show up, state employees should call law enforcement and have them rounded up and sent out of this country. (Continued…)
Craig Crosswait
posted 2/11/08 @ 9:59 AM EST
Fine idea...do you have the money to pay for it? This is a solution that would require the state to put more money into an area of society it is trying to take money out of. (Continued…)
citizen
posted 2/12/08 @ 10:36 AM EST
They are ILLEGAL immigrants. Chances are a decent percentage of illegal immigrants do not have car insurance. It is for the safety of all the LEGAL citizens. (Continued…)
michmediaperson
posted 2/12/08 @ 12:58 PM EST
Citizen, let me understand this.
A terrorist sneaks across the southern border, gets a driver's license in Michigan, goes to Metro Airport, boards a plane and blows it up. (Continued…)
citizen
posted 2/12/08 @ 9:29 PM EST
michmediaperson you obviously looked over my point.
Why would I think it is right for some one to drive if they don't have car insurance. My point was that I agree with them not being able to have a license. (Continued…)
A
posted 2/13/08 @ 7:14 AM EST
I live in an apartment complex where the residents are majority international students and I have to say it. They either don't read or care about the No Parking safety signs. (Continued…)
michmediaperson
posted 2/14/08 @ 1:33 PM EST
I see in the Indiana newspapers, Monday, the Indiana Legislature is voting to get rid of illegals.
Hope it passes.
When is Jennifer Granholm going to rid Michigan of illegals so unemployed Michigan legal residents can have jobs?
Then, you don't have a driver license problem. (Continued…)
arb
posted 2/15/08 @ 9:12 AM EST
Wow. Get a hold of yourselves people. Have we all forgotten how incredibly globalized EVERYthing we know about American life has become? It's not as easy as saying that you should live in the same country you were born in for your entire life. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 2/15/08 @ 11:26 AM EST
Actually, foreign nationals ALREADY have to take a written test to convert their foreign driver's license to a Michigan one. The form they have to fill in to apply for a license also requires a Social Security number, so illegal immigrants could not (in theory at least) get a license anyway under the old system, as they have to show proof that they can legally work before the Soc Security Admin will issue a number. (Continued…)
K T
posted 2/15/08 @ 2:44 PM EST
Some of these posts sicken me. As an American, living and working in England, I would be angered if others here made comments like some of the ones above. (Continued…)
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