Illegal immigrant drivers face background check

Illegal immigrants applying for Utah driving privilege cards may now have to undergo greater scrutiny, including background checks, according to the Deseret News. It’s another step by the state to protect the safety of their citizens while accepting that illegal immigration is a reality that they have to face up to, rather than just ignore. SB138 requires fingerprints, photographs and criminal background checks before illegal immigrants will be granted driving privileges, with this amended legislation doing away with the previously proposed idea of cards. Applicants previously were asked to provide only a birth certificate, tax identification number and proof of residence in Utah. The Legislature created the option in 2005 primarily to ensure that non-citizen drivers receive training and obtain auto insurance. About 42,000 undocumented immigrants in Utah have driving privilege cards, according to the driver license division. Both the House and Senate approved the bill and it now goes to the governor for consideration. While no one can doubt the ethics behind this move, the debate will surely be whether non-citizens should be awarded driving privileges at all. Utah authorities are clearly accepting the obvious fact that non-citizens will drive whether the law allows them to or not, and they are going for the safe option of protecting their citizens rather than trying to put a stop to illegal immigration. Should they be hardening their stance on illegal immigrants, or are they making they right move with this legislation?]]>