From Deseret News archives:

Senators target license abuses

Utah leaders seeking a new type of driving privileges for illegal aliens

Published: Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 9:04 a.m. MST
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Huntsman is concerned "about a Utah law permitting these licenses to be used for fraudulent purposes," Kikuchi said. "I think it is definitely a concern, especially if Utah is only one of a few states that have this."

Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, said he's supporting Bramble's bill and will hold his own bill that would not allow illegal immigrants to drive at all.

"It does everything I wanted to do and gives them a little more leeway to drive," Donnelson said. "I'm comfortable with that."

Luz Robles, co-chairwoman of the Utah Hispanic Legislative Task Force, said her group acknowledges problems raised in the audit and will work with the governor and Legislature to come up with a solution.

Robles said those who misuse Utah's driver's license system deserve to be prosecuted, but she noted they comprise only a small number of illegal immigrants.

"There have been contributions made by many undocumented workers to Utah's economy," she said.

Matt Throckmorton, a former state lawmaker who remains actively opposed to illegal immigration, said Bramble's bill does solve some key problems.

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"Sen. Bramble's bill is a significant step in the right direction to ensure there is no voter fraud and to ensure individuals are not obtaining benefits they're not entitled to obtain," he said, adding that people will still likely come to Utah to get drivers' licenses.

"We are going to become the highest destination state," he said. "That's a big issue."

However, Alex Segura, board member of Utahns for Immigration Reform and Enforcement, said his group won't support the bill because it still grants recognition to illegal immigrants.

"They are here illegally, they broke the law to get here," he said. "You don't give someone who broke the law ID."


E-mail: lisa@desnews.com; dbulkeley@desnews.com

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