Guest Column: Driver’s licenses for illegals — again
By E.J. Pagel
Advocates for illegal aliens are trying again to provide them with Illinois driver’s licenses. They expect this new bill, when written, to easily pass in the lame-duck session. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) is eager to sign this lose-lose idea into law.
Fairus.org informs us that Illinois taxpayers shell out more than $4.5 billion per year for benefits to illegals, while cutting assistance to seniors and veterans. This amount has been escalating for years under the Democrats’ control. State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, reports that the largest percentage of “Kidscare” goes to non-emergency health care for children of illegals.
Advocates for illegals say, “They’re already here driving around, trying to work and feed their families, so why not give them licenses?” That’s ridiculous, and missing the real point. Employers of illegals should be punished — landlords and bankers, too. Aiding and abetting an illegal IS ILLEGAL. How do these illegals buy cars, get the titles transferred, registered or not, get plates — or are they just stolen? What ID do they use?
The FBI tells us identity fraud is huge among illegals and because of illegals. A similar driver’s license program in Tennessee was ended because of identity fraud by the illegals. These people are not immigrants, they’re trespassers, and if they commit identity fraud, they aren’t “good people.” Homeland Security practically ignores the fact that terrorists are even more easily smuggled into the U.S. because they have unlimited funding.
What ID will they use to get a driver’s license? Is there such a thing as a Mexican birth certificate? Or just put down any name they tell you? That trick is already used in the issuing of passports and matricula consular cards, which have entitled illegals to every tax-funded benefit in Illinois.
Would they pay for their own driver’s ed? Using what ID? Or could they buy a fake certificate of driver’s ed — like the fake Social Security cards and the fake driver’s licenses?
Can we see the list of companies that would sell auto insurance to illegals, unable to prove their driving record, much less who they are? If they’re willing to drive without a license in the first place, why would they buy insurance? And, if any of us buys insurance from that company, IT WILL COST US DEARLY.
Some drivers allow their insurance to lapse. They often cause crashes, injuries, deaths and horrendous property damage, with no recourse for their victims. Why don’t we have to present proof of insurance to get plates or a sticker? They do in Florida and elsewhere — we need that here. Our Illinois Secretary of State only does “spot checks” for insurance. To actually make the roads safer, offenders’ cars should be impounded, as is done in the city of Elgin.
If I’m a U.S. citizen and have been driving around for years with no license and no insurance, I would be arrested and punished! But the advocates for illegals say they should just get a pass, with no penalty, but rather, a new privilege. We are repeatedly told that driving is a privilege — illegals have been doing it anyway — but now, presto! Go ahead, you’re OK for three years …? It’ll never end.
Advocates for illegals say THEY represent the best interests of the taxpayers of Illinois. They don’t have ANY of the logistics worked out to present to the citizens, but they tell us, “This will also raise revenue.” They are happy to use their lame-duck majority to stick it to the rest of us. Meanwhile, more illegals will have more reason to come here by the thousands, and they will.
Lastly, most illegals will not try for a license, they won’t buy insurance or pay for their own driver’s ed. In spite of that, citizens will pay for the extra bureaucracy, and for the consequences. Illegals won’t wait for the police to arrive at an accident scene. They’ll never admit any liability, and they’ll never pay for any of the damages they’ve caused. If that isn’t true, give us one example!
E.J. Pagel is a member of the Illinois Minuteman Project.
From the Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2012, issue
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12 Comments
Wow this article is not bias, terrible writer. I think he was writing out of anger. Very sad.
GREAT Comments Mr. Pagel. I agree with you 100%
Of course you have to expect the leftists to brand you “angry”, or “racist”.
That is their standard response to anyone who disagrees with Obama or the left-wing looney tunes…”you must be a racist”.
This has got to be the most biased article I have read about this issue.
As an Immigrant rights activist I would appreciate if you stop referring to undocumented immigrants as “illegal.”
It is a degrading word and you sound ignorant calling this people criminals.
You definitely need to get educated on immigration and on how these people live their lives. They are human beings trying to have a better life! They are just like your ancestors who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new beginning.
Also us activists, unlike you, have done intensive research and HAVE worked out the logistics.
Also comparing this bill to the suspended bill in Tennessee shows just how ignorant you are about this issue. Instead you should compare it to the bill passed in New Mexico where it has given the state VERY POSITIVE results.
Here is an article from a LEGIT newspaper:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-license-20121128,0,7633344.story
and you should definitely should check this out:
http://highwaysafetycoalition.org/facts-about-drivers-licenses/how-illinois-benefits-when-all-motorists-get-licensed/
I agree with Louis people are not illegal the use of the term is prejoritive and does not respect the human dignity of others. The writer makes huge assumptions. The writer is often on right wing newscasts in town advocating the use of e-verify yet ask those in states that mandate the use of e-verify for certification there is over a 6 month backlog. Ask the writer what happened in alabama under tougher enforcement of immigration laws? John and the writer may find support among the right wing radio station hosts that lack an IQ but the facts are they are wrong
Pagel could have made an effective argument if he wasn’t on an angry rant with 8th grade writing skills. Not all of it was a waste, he did a great job of making his organization look like the bunch of uneducated racists they are. if that group doesn’t want us to think they are ignorant and small-minded and in needof some diversity in their circle of friends, why do they continue to portray themselves and their argument in such a poor way? Licenses for undocumented people is the best way to assimilate them into our society and culture. Accept it, they aren’t going home so we need to find a way to work in the reality that is before us, not in some imaginary whites-only Leave it to Beaver world that frankly never existed in the first place.
These people have no clue of identity if they don’t know the differance of legal and illegal immigration. I went to Statton Island. I learned what Immigrants had and have to go through. I also learned NO COUNTRY CAN STAND A MASS INFUX OF PEOPLE CROSSING ITS BORDERS AND REMAIN THE SAME COUNTRY! Its an invasion of people that do not want to assimulate! English is the national language. Why in Waukegan you cant get a waitress job unless billingual or car sale job?? Businesess with no signage in English. Who are they patronizing? Yes THEY are illegal, THEY are racist? THEY are here? THEY invaded? they are ILLEGALS!! Immigration is suppose to be diverse and welcoming to all. When comming through the front door and proper procedures! End this Birther Baby issue! Only leagle born are citizens. I do welcome Chinese, Russian,Japanese,Spanish,Jewish and others when here properly. Illegals Please LEAVE! I want my America of the UNITED Sates back!
Apparently some people on here are allowed to speak their mind and throw stones about “poor writing” while the same barely eke out one proper sentence. And, of course, the “race card” is dealt. Why? Did Mr. Pagel ever say whether these “fine folks who just want a better life” were from Iceland or perhaps Canada? No, but the leftie-loonies just assumed what he meant. Sounds a bit racist, doesn’t it?
I couldn’t find a single misspelled word or grammar mistake, how can you attack his writing skills with any honesty? And what do you call people who break rules to get to the U.S. and then break more rules to stay here if not illegal? Pick whatever term you like, it doesn’t make it right. It is not an issue of racism, it is economics and the rule of law. What would you do if everyone in your neighborhood moved into your house? Could you feed them? Clothe them? Provide work for them? All on the same wage you earn to support your own family? Would it be fair that they do not have to follow any of the same rules or pay the same fees you pay to keep your house solvent?
From collinsdictionary.com
illegal 3. noun
a person who has entered or attempted to enter a country illegally
DUH.
As E.J. asked, what would be the proper I.D. to obtain this rag of a document? I had to present a notarized birth certificate. I guess in a few years when my son is ready for his driver’s license, I’ll instruct him to just say “No hablo Ingles” and he’ll be on his way.
Illegal is illegal. Get out. End of story.
What part of “illegal” doesn’t our government understand ?? At the very LEAST” an English competency test must be given to, and passed by, ANY alien BEFORE they are given a license to drive to show they can read and understand ALL road signs they may encounter, as not all signs have a distinct and unique shape. In my opinion, what is being proposed would make roads more dangerous, NOT safer !!!!
Former President George Bush doesn’t reside in the real world, or do most of the hierarchy of elected politicians who govern us. George Bush is stating that we should approach immigration “With a benevolent Spirit”. But he lives in his own Shangri La and is not menaced by illegal alien drunk drivers, criminals, drug peddlers and a reciprocating cost of supporting these people? A large majority of presidents, elected legislators, and judges are isolated from the illegal alien invasion as they live in gated communities and are never have to look for a job. Many of the illegal alien hordes don’t come here to begin a new business or new ideas… they come here with their hand open saying “Gimme” or demanding the same rights as citizens? Building contractors, who once earned a good living, must contend with companies who use cheap labor and outbid the honest businesses. This is especially so where immigration regulations are broken every day, because these building entities must compete against each other, using an illegal workforce and making huge profits for owner? It is the same with unions who are also benefiting from a wide array of unauthorized labor and being illegal ask no questions about the subscription dues.
It’s not the new law associated with the “Dreamers Act” but the chain migration that will follow its progress. Chain Migration points to the young people originally illegally coming to America with their parents, and then sponsoring their relatives. The issue with that is that the sponsor must sign an affidavit that they will financially support the family members that come into the country. So if it’s anything like the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) finding passage, those who gained a path to citizenship in the millions and then sponsored Mom and Pop and others, dropped their promise and financial cost laid on the taxpayers once again in supporting their elderly family members. Do you realize if some states issue Dream kids driver’s licenses; they will be able to chauffer illegal family members around their community and even take them to deceitful places of work. The 1986 the law was sterilized from the beginning anyway and millions more free welfare treat hunters gained entrance and the whole thing was a Carnival of errors. The politicians involved in this charade never funded properly a secure fence, or interior enforcement as special interest groups had already declared the ultimatum, which was in fact do next to nothing? Underfunded, the back door remained open and the unconcerned employers got cheap labor and to hell with the working American stiff. Since then we have had a poorly guarded border and the brave undermanned U.S. border Patrol men and women, threatened by drug cartels had to deal with the mess. I knew from the very inception of immigration law, that there was no intention to hold back the hordes of illegal foreigners, when the crime of entry didn’t add up to a class one felony. NOT ONLY ARE BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES IN SOME WAY OR OTHER PANDERING TO THE ILLEGAL ALIENS, BUT NOW THEY WANT TO RE-ACCESS OUR CITIZENS PRIVILEGES, BY STATES LIKE ILLINOIS GIVING OUT DRIVERS LICENSES? What George Bush talks about is LEGAL immigrants, not illegal alien paupers that benefit from our welfare state?
You will not get any true honest news support from the press or airwaves, as it full of propaganda about the true meaning illegal immigration. Americans have been buttered up for years by the lying establishment and have shown no real intentions of enacting mandatory E-Verify, known as the “Legal Workforce Bill” to at least stop the massive influx of illegal aliens looking for work. Another deciding factor that makes literal sense is passing The “Birthright Citizenship Bill”. A quick amendment that would stop pregnant women from conceiving a child to procure automatic citizenship, that once again is unfair to the U.S. taxpayer. Only the babies of a U.S. citizen would have the merit to gain citizenship and not the three or four babies, which alien mothers require us to support. These are bills that are sitting gathering dust and neither Political party has the gut to pass. Not that there is any chance of being read on the House floor or in Sen. Harry Reid’s Senate, as he doesn’t allow them to gain Cloture? If these mostly bunch of old decrepit lawmakers as Reid, cannot pass a reasonable budget in four years, what chance do two rational bills have of passing to discourage the influx of impoverished illegal migrants or immigrants, whether from across the borders or flying into this country masquerading as visitors?
We, the American people who suffer this costly indignity, not the Politian’s, not the employers, but the taxpayer. It’s inevitable that honest people are going to get skewered by those in power at the time and nothing will ever change while the same incumbents and robots of big business, unions and radical ethnic groups hold the reins of government. Nearly all 50 states are financially suffering because most legislators have ignored the major problems, except for a few that have placed their feet firmly on the ground. As little as 5 states are openly against the Democratic progressives who strongly believe that a path to citizenship for all illegal aliens will materialize as votes in coming years in their form of Socialist behavior. That it’s been seen in Socialist run nations that the more government gives, the more is expected and eventually turns into riots and civil disobedience and obscene deficits. Today I learned that President Obama has borrowed money, then all the previous presidents combined?
EVERY U.S. TAXPAYER SHOULD STAND UP FOR THE “RULE OF LAW” AND CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS OR YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR.
Bravo! Nice commentary EJ! This brings to mind a quote from Gilbert Keith Chesterton: “It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged.”
This is ridiculous!!!! People come here to try to better their lives and help their families. No matter what country they come from. Why is it that the Hispanics- mainly the Mexicans get the most BS put on them??? I am married to a Mexican who works his ass of full time plus does side jobs just to make ends meet. We have 7 kids total between the both of us. He has a TIN and pays and files taxes, owns our home, has a bank account, has a credit card. Why on Earth can he not get a state issued drivers license so he is not risking going to jail or being deported. And it is all because of SMUG people who are racist pieces of shit who don’t give a shit and could care less about anyone but themselves. Mexican or not my husband deserves to get his papers and ID and all things we have here in this piece of shit U.S of fucking A..