License ban drives home point
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is probably right on the law in ruling to prohibit illegal immigrants from obtaining state driver's licenses. A valid license can open the doors to many things in America -- voting, jobs, housing, credit and government services among them.
But Mr. Cox's decision won't do anything to stop illegal immigration. The likely effect will be more unlicensed, untrained and uninsured drivers on Michigan roads. Illegal immigration is a federal issue. It needs a comprehensive federal solution. The small tinkerings Michigan and other states are implementing to deal with immigration are like trying to treat a broken bone by applying a Band-Aid.
Until last week's ruling, Michigan was among eight states that granted licenses to illegal immigrants. The rationale for doing so varies, but it has been touted as a way to encourage illegals to come out of the shadows, get proper training and carry the appropriate insurance. Unlicensed and uninsured drivers are more likely to flee the scene of an accident.
Mr. Cox's opinion came at the request of Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, who wanted to know if Michigan should continue the practice of licensing illegals. It overrules a 1996 opinion from former Attorney General Frank Kelley, who had said denial of licenses may violate the U.S. Constitution.
Michigan law allows the Secretary of State to issue driver's licenses only to residents of the state. Mr. Cox said regarding an illegal immigrant as a permanent resident is "inconsistent with federal law." His opinion is considered legally binding, unless reversed in court.
A driver's license isn't validation of citizenship. It's simply evidence of passing a driving test. That said, however, a driver's license is generally accepted as legal identification. Making it easy for people here illegally to obtain one does nothing to discourage others from following in their footsteps.
An estimated 500,000 illegal immigrants flow into the United States annually. The country can't continue to absorb unchecked numbers of people. But illegal immigration is too big a problem to solve at the state and local levels. Comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security and workplace enforcement with practical ways to deal with the estimated 12 million current illegal immigrants is required. A path to citizenship for many of those already here illegally must be part of any solution. Most voters recognize that it is impractical to round up and deport 12 million people. The country does not have the manpower, money or will to do that. There is no perfect solution. But doing nothing at the national level won't make the problem go away.
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