Tackling immigrant-driving issue is just first step

There are no easy answers, but perhaps one good thing to be gleaned from the legislative debate over drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants is to find elected leaders who have the political courage to begin resolving the problem.

Illegal immigration is a national problem. The ultimate solution rests at that level. As one legislator put it, Utahns are trying to "pick up" where the federal government has failed to act. Politicians often say, "If I have made both sides unhappy, I may be doing the right thing." The immigration issue is one of those cases. People who have strong feelings about an issue often forget that public policymaking involves trying to find common ground where there are no clear right or wrong answers.

Public discussion is critical for people to make informed opinions. Unfortunately, illegal immigration has been one of those problems no one has wanted to discuss. As a consequence, our communities have become more divided over the issue due to lack of suitable information. The problem strains our capacity to find solutions while remaining true to the values that have been the foundation of our society — fairness, freedom, rule of law, opportunity, kindness and belief in the dignity of every individual.

We are an open society that has welcomed immigrants; yet, we now find ourselves trying to maintain our quality of life in a fast-changing, global economy while doing the human thing — nothing. The United States has seen immigration as a way of meeting its work force and economic needs; however, our outdated national immigration policies are now creating legal, social and moral problems for states trying to meet the needs of their people.

We have federal immigration and labor laws that are not enforced and are unrealistic for today's economic environment. When they are enforced, it is often done arbitrarily and capriciously. The most damaging thing is that the laws are a charade that raises resentment against Mexicans by those who live by the rules.

Legislators were on a steep learning curve. It seems once they started debating the issue and listening, they began to understand how it affects real people, our social fiber and our economy.

The final debate accompanying the passage of SB227 should be considered by all as the legislative intent of the statute. The language acknowledges that there is a need for illegal immigrants to be able to have driving privileges and that they are a necessary component of Utah's work force in maintaining a vibrant economy. As one legislator put it, "We have a work force here that keeps the cost of living low, and we exploit them as labor. I use the word strongly."