Delayed-deportation immigrants can drive in Oregon
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon will issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants accepted into a new federal program that delays deportation for some young people brought illegally to the United States as children, officials said Wednesday.
The decision by the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division ends months of uncertainty over how the DMV would handle applications for driving privileges or state identification from illegal immigrants given a two-year deportation delay and the opportunity to obtain a work permit. Oregon law requires proof of legal presence in the United States to get a driver's license, permit or identification card.
"To some people a driver's license is just any ordinary thing because it's so easy to get it," said Miriam Corona, 22, whose application to the federal program was approved in October. "But for people like us, it's a big deal."
Corona said she was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as an infant without authorization from immigration authorities. She was one of a handful of people in the deferred-deportation program given a driver's license last year before the state said license applications should be out on hold to sort out legal issues.
About 200 immigrants have pending applications for a driver's license, said David House, a spokesman for the DMV.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, announced last summer, allows young people brought illegally to the U.S. before their 16th birthday to obtain a temporary reprieve from deportation and the opportunity to obtain a work permit if they meet certain conditions. Immigrants do not get legal status in the United States, however, creating complicated legal questions for DMV officials.
As of Dec. 13, more than 100,000 people had their deferred-action applications approved nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security wouldn't say how many are from Oregon.
Oregon driver's licenses issued to immigrants in the program will expire on the same day as their deferred-action status.
Jim Ludwick, a vocal opponent of illegal immigration, said Oregon should not be issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, even if the federal government has told them they won't be deported.
"Apparently we are no longer a nation of the rule of law," Ludwick said. "We've now morphed into a politicization of that, where certain people will be held to the rule of law and others won't."
Gov. John Kitzhaber said in a statement in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian saying he was pleased with the DMV's decision. People with authorization to work must be able to get there, he said.
"It's the right decision, and it will provide certainty for working families and employers," Kitzhaber said.
Drivers licenses are so easy to get? Are you kidding me? The rest of us have to pay to go to drivers Ed school and learn for a year on a Learners Permit with another driver over 18 in the car. But I suppose you think your special and these laws do not apply to you. Go away!
 @stinger139 Are you thinking that they will have some special/easier path to getting a license?  All I gather from this article is that they will be allowed to get one.
Stop supporting. Start deporting.
THEY are intentional CRIMINALS. Illegal aliens. With no rights. So Oregon turns around and issues them the "privilege" of driving on our roads? Someone needs to demand the State of Oregon be prosecuted - for high treasonous crimes - against its own law abiding citizenry.Â
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How about we all - including KATU - have that honest ethical conversation? With each other.Â
 @englishdaisy "Oregon will issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants accepted into a new federal program that delays deportation for some young people brought illegally to the United States as children, officials said Wednesday."
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Did you read the article or do you just have a canned response to anything regarding this problem?
One of those quoted in this article was brought here as an infant and all the angry posters here want to deport her. Â Deport her to where? Â She was raised here, this is all she knows as home.
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I don't think we should hold children accountable for their parents crimes.
@darren vandervort Yes, this should be the responsibility and the problem of the parents, not us. It is not the responsibility of the US taxpayers to assume the responsibility of these kids, nor is it our responsibility to fix their lives and right a wrong. This goes along with the blame game, it's "not the kids fault", no, it isn't. But it's not ours either.
 @Kachina  @darren I guess as a reasonable caring adult I am willing to allow kids that didn't commit a crime of their knowing have a license.
 @darren vandervort Maybe they can all come live at your house?
 @Pointblank I actually support them staying where they are and make their own way in the world.
 @Pointblank "Oregon will issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants accepted into a new federal program that delays deportation for some young people brought illegally to the United States as children, officials said Wednesday."
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This is the article I read, what did you read?
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 @darren vandervort I am afraid most people see zero logic in your argument. "A canned response"? Maybe you don't realize the scope of the problem that illegal immigration is causing? I am going to assume that you are just ignorant of the issues. You should really read up on it before you make a further ass of yourself.
 @darren vandervort There is a legal country of origin and legal responsibility for all of them.Â
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It is not like all of these law breaking aliens came from Mars.Â
We start by admitting until they are deported they have no rights. No privileges. And their children - can become wards of the state - fine with me. But they don't necessarily get the PRIVILEGE of a danged thing - if they too were born on some other country's soil.Â
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Just THINK about it, people. And get real.Â
 @englishdaisy Ward of the state is your idea for the best way to handle the problem?
 @darren vandervort Maybe we should hold the parents accountable instead?
 @ThePosterFormerlyKnownAsPhredE Sure, no problem.  This article is about one very specific portion of the immigration debate.  As I read it, it pertains to the treatment of illegal immigrants that were brought here when they didn't have the ability to make the decision for themselves.
Why does this not surprise me? This is so wrong.
you wanted healthcare you got it!
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you dont want illegals staying here and having laws and legilstaion allowing them to say, too bad you will also get that!
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these are probably the same ones driving around with no insurance crashing into you.
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You can thank uncle barry and the democraps.
"To some people a driver's license is just any ordinary thing because it's so easy to get it," said Miriam Corona, 22. Oh really, Miriam Corona. And just what is your definition of easy?  It is because of all you illegals that legal Oregon residents have to show everything but the kitchen sink to prove who they are when they get or renew their drivers license, because their current license in not considered valid ID, even if they have had a license for 50 years.
"But for people like us, it's a big deal." No it's not. You are an illegal and a criminal. You are not special. You should not be allowed to get a license no matter what uncle barry says. The only thing you should get is a free ride back to Mexico or Guatemala or wherever you came from.
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Help stop illegal immigration:
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Numbersusa is a grassroot organization with 1.3 million members, who lobbies in Washington D.C. against illegal immigration and they will show what YOU can do to help. Be sure to sign up for their e-mails that will let you know when the latest bills dealing with illegal immigration are being introduced and how YOU can make a difference! Support Numbersusa!
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Amnisty is on the way. First document the undocumented then they can claim that they are legally.BUTTKISS enforce the LAWS... Deport these people and make them enter the legal way........
@cpt.iceman But then Obama and his friends will lose their base.....
Hey Kitz:
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You are such an idiot but here's a plan allow them to get limited Oregon Licences but they must pick them up in mehecio. Just think it cuts down on the criminals in the US like the scumbag that is here illegally, convicted of theft from his employer Macy's was order deported and is now back with his illegal family members. Round them up and deport the whole family of crooks.
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Courts seem to allow illegals to get away with anything but not the legal citizen..........
So wrong, just SO WRONG!!
they can also get free heath care and a cell phone to call all of their illegal friends in town and invite them over to eat food stamp bought steaks and booze.
We are a nation of people who took this country by force from its native inhabitants - that is the most extreme form of immigrant, ranging from merely disrespectful to outright war criminals - and yet we teach public schoolcare students to be proud of it.
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It's shameful.
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Were the same situation to occur now, elsewhere in the world, there would be outcry for an immediate end to it.
 @starshadow And how did the spanish take mexico, and all of south america? I recall something about Cortez, and Pizzaro(sp?) having something to do with it. Don't give me that BS about the mexicans reclaiming their land. In your argument they aren't the rightful owners either. mexicans are a mix of spanish, and indian. There isn't a pure "mexican" anywhere on earth.
 @starshadow Seems like you are making a pretty strong case for controlling the borders. When you can't control who enters your land, you are destined to lose it. Thanks for pointing out this cautionary tale to all of us.Â
Then sneek into N.Korea then.... Or how about China. In Mexico if they catch you 3 times being illegal then they can shoot you.Why is it America has to be the only one who can NOT enforce thier Immigration Laws????
@cpt.iceman Well, when you can't win the support of the citizens (the legal residents) then bringing in outsiders (illegal border jumpers) and giving them the same rights wins you a lot of support. When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you will always have Paul's support and devotion. There are too many Paul's in this country, Peter is going to get ticked off and go on strike.
 @starshadow Right of conquest, I think we vetoed any action at the UN when we were doing it to the natives. I refuse to feel badly for something my ancestors did 250 years ago. People have been moving around this planet for over 10,000 years, they will continue to do so.
There never ever w'as a question about whether or not they CAN drive. It was more of MAY they drive legally in Oregon. And I still say NO! Return to Mexico and come up legally! I'm sick and tired of special handling for these people. If they are illegal to be here, they are illegal! What is so hard to understand about that? Just because the feds cannot seem to enforce illegal alien laws, doesn't mean that Oregon has to allow them to be here, with no further documentation than an Oregon Drivers License!Â
@jpk Why must we give them a license? We must provide proof of ID, proof of citizenship, to obtain a drivers license. If you are not going to require it of people who do not have or will not provide the required documents, how can you justify requiring it of ANYONE? I say, when they come in to get their drivers license, this is a grand opportunity to encourage them to deport themselves. As much as Obama wants to make things "fair", he needs to learn that life just isn't fair. This is a teachable moment for him, we are fed up.
How many of them will get insurance? I see lots of uninsured drivers coming on the roads........
 @poodlem That's a good question! And, some research into that exact subject has already been done.  Basically, the old tired argument that goes 'we have to give them licenses so they'll buy insurance and we won't have as many accidents/hit-and-runs/etc is a bunch of bull:
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"Study Finds Driver's Licenses for Illegal Aliens has No Impact on Number of Insured Drivers"
https://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/september-10-2012/study-finds-drivers-licenses-illegal-aliens-has-no-impact-number-insured-driv
And another example that, for every law there is an exception, or several, depending on the law. Our own government ignores or skirts the laws it would have its legal citizens follow. It should not be a surprise when people pick and choose the laws they feel are appropriate to follow.
'Gov. John Kitzhaber said in a statement in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian saying he was pleased with the DMV's decision. People with authorization to work must be able to get there, he said'
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Why? Because we have so many jobs and not enough workers? Uhhhh, I don't think so.
why does Mexico not have an Olympics team?? Awnser: Everyone who can run,jump or swimm are allready here...
@cpt.iceman Ha ha, that's a good one.
***NO!***
Giving people a valid drivers license will also help the economy. You have to go to the DMV and pay for it..you also have to purchase car insurance...Come on it's not like it going to be "free". Not all illegal immigrants want things free they are hardworking people they work in the nursery's sometimes they do jobs that american citizens don't want to do. Some will come out and say some smart comment that american citizens want to work outside in the cold weather or in the very hot weather... If any american citizen can honestly tell me when they have seen such a thing let me know. i have lived here my whole life and I have never seen an american working in the fields or nurseries.  In every culture there are people who are good citizens and the once that are not. That it true to all cultures not just to illegal immigrants
 @citizen82 Not all illegals want things free? BULLS**T! If they wanted to work for them, then THEY WOULDN'T BE ILLEGALS AND WOULD WORK FOR THE RIGHT TO BE HERE.
@citizen82 Really?  I bet if people were hungry enough they would work in the produce fields, I would. But I have never taken handouts, and I would work in the fields before I would accept a hand out. I have worked my whole life, sometimes at more than one job, to take care of my family and my responsibilities. I never realized how many people I would be supporting. When did things turn around?  How is it that those who won't take care of themselves are not required to give back in some way, shape, or form? Is it any wonder the lazy, under-achieving population finds our reward system so enticing?  And to make it a way of life for generations has brought us to where we are today. No matter how much WE the producers and the givers provide, it's never enough or for the takers and they are anything BUT appreciative. Â
 @citizen82Â
Perhaps you never worked as a child? Or teenager? Many have memories of picking berries and beans, or working for farmers in their teen years. Actually doing hard work. If you have not witnessed people of more than just hispanic heritage, then you must have been hiding, or perhaps you are too young to know about work ethic. Many people of all races worked for various farmers in the Willamette valley. I do not know why you have not seen an "American" as you call it working.
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@Just Lookin @citizen82 Thanks, was really hard work but some of the very best experiences of my life. Funny I was driving to work the other day weather really lousy following a tree planting crew and thinking thank God I wasn't doing that, then it hit me been there done that, survived and thrived
New Mexico tried that with the same "but they'll get ID and insurance yadda, yadda, yadda". It's now the # 1 state for unisured motorists. Let's see, I'll ignore the immigration laws, social security laws function with false or stolen ID but just as soon as I get my "special license" I'll pay a boat load of money for doing what I've been doing until now for free; yah think? As to the I've never seen an Americanworking in the field Maybe if you pulled your head out of your who-who you'd notice that there are lots of caucasions (cause that's what you mean by american) who work in agriculture In fact I'm willing to bet alot of the folks you think are illegal immigrants because they're hipanic may actually be, you know, US citizensworking in ag. Actually I worked in the fields growing up and through college myself; Shazam
Don't make me laugh
 @citizen82 I actually feel sorry for you, you have missed a part of life by not learning a good work ethic. Working outdoors, in all kinds of weather. Learning the value of good hard work, and the results from a job well done.
 You may wish to laugh at those that have worked outdoors....but they learned something you never will
So many of the working for hours in the strawberry field!!! Sure they would want a 10 minute break and a 30 minute lunch...
 @citizen82 when we worked in the fields we were paid by the pound we picked, if you took a long lunch or a break it was at your own expense.Â
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 @Tonk Been there and done that. Irrigating, weeding, putting up bean fields, picking berries, cherries, apples etc. Cutting firewood for winter. Great memories actually.
Again when I was younger alot of kids and young adults picked strawberries and cane berries and beans and tree fruit. usually once we were old enough to move irrigation pipe or drive machinery we would slide over from picking as soon as thse jobs were available but if crops need picking or hoeing then that's what we did; of course back then the outdoor temperature was always comfortable and the sun was never too brite. it only has gotten hot and brite since illegal immigrants started working in ag. The 10 minute break every 4 hours and 30 minute lunch break are federally mandated and failing to adhere to those laws will get you civil and criminal sanctions. By in large federal regs are why there are few kids working in ag but again there are lots of "Americans" working in ag. Also if you knew much about ag you'd know that fruit picking is increasingly mechanized and there are damn few commercial strawberry fields  left.