Los Angeles Times: give illegal aliens drivers licenses

The Los Angeles Times has an unsigned editorial called "Let illegal immigrants get licenses". They don't have an detailed list of reasons why we should do that, and they don't answer the large number of objections. Other than "just because", they think we should do it because they're here now, and they might as well have insurance.

As for the objection that "the state shouldn't be in the business of making life easier for people who aren't supposed to be here anyway", the LAT has a ready answer:

It's undeniable that illegal immigrants place a real burden on schools, hospitals and other institutions. But driver's licenses must be earned and paid for, and they benefit not just those who carry them but anyone who uses the state's roads.

The "earning" part is really tough: an hour or two at the DMV. The "paying" part, well, should the state really try to pick up a buck off those who are here illegally? Couldn't we make even more money if we just opened up the borders?

Needless to say, the LAT doesn't offer us the option of California attempting to reduce the numbers of illegal aliens here now. Nor, do they discuss the increased illegal immigration that will likely result from offering yet one more benefit. Nor do they discuss the possibility of terrorists getting the cards. In fact, one of the 9/11 terrorists got a California driver's license using a bypass code designed for use by illegal aliens (that loophole has since been closed).

And, of course, the LAT doesn't discuss the huge benefit this will give to the country of Mexico other than to mention that one document needed to get a license would be an "official ID from their country of origin".

The head of the LAT's editorial board is Andres Martinez, and I don't think it's unfair to question which country he's trying to benefit with this scheme.

Immigration_dls · Sat, 02/24/2007 - 22:56 · Importance: 1