Common Sense: ‘Illegals’ must emerge from the shadows
By Gaby Arnhart February 26, 2013 8:34AM
Updated: March 27, 2013 6:04AM
I sometimes wonder what realm of reality our legislators live in. Certainly not mine, or in many others, I expect.
Driver licenses for illegal aliens, really? What will these licenses indicate? That the bearer of said license is neither a born citizen, a naturalized citizen nor a green card holder?
The opponents of this measure are correct in pointing out the unfairness of denying licenses to deadbeat parents. However, providing licenses for people who shouldn’t be here is fine.
Apparently, it’s fine to create a regulation that requires these people to take special classes and learn our language. But what does giving special licenses solve? Would the country from which they came be so accommodating to us if we were to enter their country and refuse to obey their laws? I think not.
What happens when one of these special license holders is stopped for a traffic violation? Will not some fast-talking lawyer claim that their client is being racially profiled?
Who will ensure that these people are living where they say they are living? Our government can’t keep up with people living here legally. Making it OK for illegals to drive won’t cut down on the traffic deaths or anything else. It’s just a way for the state to obtain more money.
I want to make it clear, I am not unsympathetic toward the people who come here on a visa and time ran out. They never intended to overstay, but they’ve grown roots, and now have a family. I get it. I really do.
But there are places to go when people find that they have overstayed. There are agencies that will help establish the visitor as a true citizen. It’s only right that these steps are taken.
I came here as a child — barely 3 years old — and had to take the citizenship test. My parents did, too. My folks know firsthand that obtaining and wading through the paperwork wasn’t easy, which is, no doubt, the reason so many find themselves procrastinating until they feel stuck.
But, there is help for those who want to live here free of the fear that keeps them living in the shadows. Find the courage to step out and do the right thing and stop expecting a handout.
It’s just not right.
Write to me, Gaby Arhnart, at arnhartl@aol.com.
