Our reader's voices
Let immigrants have licenses
On Jan. 22, a new policy was instated in Michigan which requires that those who are applying for a driver's license for the first time must have legal and permanent resident status in the United States. This means that unless you are a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, you are not given the permission to drive legally in this state.
Officials are currently reconsidering the policy because they are realizing its negative impact on the state of Michigan and its residents. They are working on ways to take back what has already been done so that those who are here legally, not just permanently, can get their driver's license. This is proof that when officials pass policies and laws, they need to be careful to make sure that they do not cause unintended damage to innocent people.
The policy that was put into effect a little more than a month ago not only affected our international students, professors and staff at Central Michigan University, it also affected numerous people who have come to Michigan legally to work and live here. Although these people are not permanent residents, they still contribute to our economy by paying taxes and spending money within the state. This policy may have been put in place in order to control border security and avoid giving licenses to illegal immigrants, but what it has done is restricted the rights of those who are in the United States legally.
Policies are powerful and can have a great impact on society. Therefore, policymakers have the responsibility of carefully crafting policies that will yield the largest possible benefit to society, take into account unexpected results that may derive from the new policy and consider alternate ways of solving the problem this policy is attempting to address, as well as consider additional problems that may come up due to the new policy. As members of society, it is important for us to take action and speak out when we do not agree with a policy. Ways in which the public can be more active is by writing letters to their state representatives expressing concerns about issues or suggesting ways to improve society. Also, it is very important to stay informed regarding issues that affect us by reading the newspaper and watching the news. Even if we are not personally affected by a specific policy, it is still our responsibility to fight for the rights of others.
Maria Jacome Brownstown senior
Run for office, Dennis!
I've got a great idea for student activist Dennis Lennox.
He should run for the contested office in the state legislature. Upon losing, he will discover how few people agree with whatever it is he is complaining about (still trying to figure that one out). The First Amendment provides the right to free speech - but it doesn't mean that anyone has to listen.
Steven Lowrance Graduate Student
