The Virginia-Pilot
When lawmakers passed legislation last month banning illegal immigrants from getting driver's licenses, little attention was given to how the measure would affect Americans.
The controversial bill would force applicants to prove they are legal residents before obtaining a license for the first time. That includes high school students who have just completed driving school.
A 16-year-old will have to bring his birth certificate or passport,'' said Del. David B. Albo, R-Springfield, who sponsored the bill. If the bill is signed into law by Gov. Mark R. Warner, it could go into effect in January. The legislation is one of two highly publicized bills this year that Virginia lawmakers passed restricting illegal immigrants from living and working in the state.
Another bill sponsored by Del. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, would deny illegal immigrants from receiving in-state tuition benefits. Warner has not said whether he will endorse the bill.
Posted by Suzanne at March 15, 2003