House GOP Opposes Kulongoski ID plan

Press release from House Republicans 4-2007:

HOUSE REPUBLICANS SUPPORT LEGAL ID
FOR LEGAL RESIDENTS
Governor’s New Plan Out of Touch with Oregonians

SALEM””House Republicans today said they’ll oppose the Governor’s plan giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens. They’ll continue to support implementation of measures to secure drivers licenses and identification documents for citizens and legal residents.

“It’s wrong to issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens,” said House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “The Governor’s plan establishes a double-standard, where it’ll actually be easier to obtain a drivers license or ID if you’re here illegally. It sends the message that driving is a privilege for Oregonians, but a right for illegal aliens.”

During the 2007 session, Rep. Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) and Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) led efforts to pass sensible immigration reforms. Among the reforms, House Republicans sought to require proof of legal presence for state benefits and require ODOT to report those who attempt to obtain these documents through fraudulent means.

“Oregon voters tell us they want drivers’ licenses limited to people who are here legally,” said Rep. Flores, the Deputy Republican Whip. Flores added, “I find it interesting that the Governor campaigned on how advanced Oregon was in securing our drivers’ license system. However, this new plan will only push us farther behind other states and moves us in the wrong direction.”

Rep. Thatcher questioned the Governor’s priorities. She asked, “Why do we want to continue making Oregon a magnet for illegal aliens? I thought the Governor is supposed to uphold the state’s laws.”

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