These people were previously unable to get a Utah driver's license because a Social Security number or ITIN is required. Rep. Curt Oda, D-Clearfield, has called it a Hill-Air-Force-Base-friendly bill, because allied troops training at Hill would benefit. So would those with student visas and foreign athletes training for the Olympics.

For longtime legal visitors the drivers' licenses and identification cards can only be extended for five years instead of 10, and the Driver License Division cannot grant an extension to an applicant who has neither Social Security number nor ITIN.

HB223 is sometimes referred to as the sister bill to the much-publicized SB227.

The president of Save America, Barry Hatch, said the state shouldn't cater to people who come to the United States illegally, and allowing driving privilege cards is a step too far.

"What more do they want?" he asked. "To vote?"

He said they should be taught the rule of law by being deported, especially if they have criminal records or are on welfare. Any illegal immigrants who are hard-working should go back home and apply to come to the United States through proper channels, he said.

He predicted that within 18 months, there would be 500,000 immigrants in Utah.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com