Pocono News Section

Drivers Licenses For Illegal Immigrants?

Drivers Licenses For Illegal Immigrants? - Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 4:36PM EST

? Reported by: Mike Trim
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 @04:36pm EST

Illegal immigrants, driving cars on American roads.

It's something the governor of neighboring New York state is pushing for.

What would that possible change mean here in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you need to prove citizenship to get a drivers license

It takes two forms of identification, and two forms of residency.

But if you're in the country illegally, Karen Dussinger of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says, "as far as illegal immigrants go, not likely."

Legal immigrants can apply for licenses, but not illegal immigrants.

New York state governor Elliot Spitzer is pushing to allow illegal immigrants to have drivers licenses.

PennDOT says that wouldn't currently change anything in this state.

Some think it's not such a bad idea.

We asked drivers what they thought of the issue here at the PennDOT drivers license center in Dunmore.

Liz Ruviello of Dunmore says, "it is complex because if you were in another country and wanted to become a citizen, how else would you be able to get back and forth to work?"

Massiel Isabel of Dunmore says, "i think it's fair, because they work hard here even though they're still immigrants."

Some say no legal citizenship, no license.

Nick Beatle of Dunmore says, "i don't think they should, i don't think they should have them. Just a bad idea all around."

Opinions aside, no changes are being made here, yet.

If illegal immigrants had a legal license in New York state, they still couldn't apply for one in Pennsylvania.

Papers proving your residency are mandatory

Dussinger says, “if they're not the correct ones, you're not going to get a license."