Reis Opposes Drivers Certificates to Illegal Immigrants

March 30, 2007

Springfield….Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) called on fellow lawmakers to consider the ramifications of legislation that seeks to grant undocumented immigrants driving certificates. The measure passed in the Illinois House this week is being criticized by members of both political parties for appeasing activist groups and rewarding illegal behavior. The debate over how to best deal with the problem of illegal immigration has been gathering steam in the Statehouse and the issue came to a head with a heated floor debate this past week over HB 1100.
 
“I find it unbelievable that the United States cannot control its borders. Have we altogether given up on trying to secure our borders and stop individuals from entering our country illegally? This legislation quite simply offers a reward for illegal behavior, and I find it reprehensible,” Reis said. Sponsors of the legislation cite safety as a main argument for offering driving certificates to undocumented workers, or as they are more commonly known, illegal immigrants.
 
Supporters contend the measure would allow individuals who are not citizens of the United States to obtain car insurance, thus protecting other legal, insured drivers in case of an accident. However, Illinois already has protections in place that require licensed, insured drivers to carry non-insured driver liability insurance on their policy to cover costs in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.
 
“Our nation was founded on immigrants coming to our land, becoming citizens, finding jobs and paying taxes,” Reis said. “Through previous legislation the State of Illinois pays for the college tuition of the children of illegal immigrants, we pay for their health insurance, and now we are granting them driving certificates. If the state of Illinois extends every right and privilege enjoyed by legal citizens to illegal immigrants, we need to seriously consider what incentive illegal immigrants have for becoming naturalized citizens,” said Reis.