Legal Drivers Licenses for illegal Aliens

There is a lot of talk about the question of whether or not illegal aliens in the United States should be issued legal drivers licenses. There are a number of issues that enter into this discussion. Some of these are practical. Many are ideological. As I see it, the issues are these:

1) We want all drivers to have valid licenses to drive. We don't want anyone driving who does not have a license.

2) Drivers licenses are a way of identifying people. They help us track who is in the country and in what state.

3) A license to drive is a privilege and not a right.

4) We want to discourage illegal immigration while providing incentives for those who follow the rules.

5) Allowing illegal aliens to get valid drivers licenses may be construed as condoning their illegal residence.

6) If illegal aliens are unable to get valid drivers licenses, they will probably still continue to drive. They may even drive with fake drivers licenses.

It seems to me that the drivers license for illegals issue comes down to a matter of ideals versus pragmatism. I think we can generally agree on the ideals involved. Some will decide the practical issues carry greater weight.

Denying drivers licenses to those who are not legal residents will not stop illegal immigration. It does increase the demand for the criminal market in fake drivers licenses. It is similar to the way Prohibition made the illegal liquor trade so profitable.

I happen to be a proponent of more legal immigration into this country of talented people under the age of thirty. If we add enough of them to our workforce, it will help us stave off the impending Social Security crisis. However, I am opposed to illegal immigration and want it stopped.

Nevertheless, on the issue of drivers licenses, I feel the pragmatic matters outweigh the idealistic concerns. The benefits of allowing even illegal residents to obtain valid drivers licenses are greater than the detriments of making the lives of illegals easier. I have only recently come to this conclusion. A good argument could persuade me to change my mind. But for now, that is where I come down.

That's Wade's two cents.

Wade Houston
November 6, 2007