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| Posted Monday, January 21, 2008 |
| Mich. denies illegal immigrants driver's licenses |
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan will no longer let illegal immigrants get driver's
licenses, a practice just seven other states continue to allow.
Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who oversees the state motor vehicle
department, announced the new policy Monday and said it takes effect Tuesday. Some people
who are in Michigan legally but not permanent residents also will be denied licenses
unless state law is changed.
The change is aimed at complying with an opinion issued last month by Attorney General
Mike Cox, who said granting licenses to illegal immigrants is inconsistent with federal
law. Opinions by the attorney general's office are legally binding on state agencies and
officers unless reversed by the courts.
The new policy applies to first-time applicants for a Michigan driver's license or
identification card. Updated procedures for renewals soon will be released.
Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington do not require drivers
to prove legal status to obtain a license.
Driver's licenses are among several hot-button issues surrounding the ongoing debate
over illegal immigration. New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer last year proposed allowing illegal
immigrants to get licenses, but withdrew the idea under heavy criticism.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press
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