Release: Maryland Needs Driver’s License Reform

Release from Del. Ron George

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Delegate Ron George
March 19, 2008

MARYLAND NEEDS DRIVER’S LICENSE REFORM

Illegal Immigrants Should Not Be Granted Licenses

Annapolis – House Republicans today called for passage of the bipartisan Proof of Legal Presence Act of 2008. The bill, HB 288 is being heard in the House Judiciary Committee this afternoon.

“Maryland is the only state in the union that has not moved forward to require proof of legal presence before it issues a driver’s license,” said Delegate Ron George, the lead sponsor on the bill. “Currently, the MVA processes 2,000 out-of-country applicants each week – that is an increase from 1,054 per month only a year ago,” said Delegate George. “That is a 660% increase in only one year. At that rate of increase, next year that number will jump to 8,000 licenses per week or 32,000 per month.”

As drafted, the HB 288 prohibits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from issuing an identification card, driver’s license, etc. to an individual born on or after December 1, 1964 who cannot provide acceptable documentation certifying citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Starting December 1, 2017, the prohibition applies to anyone, regardless of age. The bill also allows the MVA to issue such a license or permit to an individual who is lawfully present but who is not a citizen provided that the license, identification card, or permit is effective only for as long as the individual is authorized to remain in the United States under federal law.

“The flaws in our driver’s licensing system make Maryland a magnet for anyone coming to this country illegally and present a huge risk to our citizens,” said Delegate George. “First and foremost it is a security threat, particularly given Maryland’s close proximity to Washington D.C.”

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