An estimated half million illegal immigrants will be able to apply for driver’s licenses in Illinois in the coming weeks, as the governor’s new law that allows for “temporary visitor” licenses takes effect Dec. 3.
Gov. Pat Quinn says the law will make roads safer because the illegal immigrants previously kept out of the driver’s license process will now be forced to take driving tests in exchange for receiving the temporary right to operate a vehicle, The Chicago Tribune reported.
But opponents say the temporary driver’s license is a gateway for forged documents. Critics also say the law doesn’t even require the illegals to provide fingerprints — and that’s the minimum that should occur, in order to keep security risks to a minimum.
Those applying will have to show they’ve lived in the state for a year and that they aren’t eligible for a Social Security card. And applicants don’t have to worry about speaking English. The tests are offered in Spanish, Polish, Mandarin Chinese and Korean, Breitbart.com reported.
The state estimates it will process 100,000 illegal immigrant applications each year. At least 500,000 illegals live in the state now and are expected to apply.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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