Tweet
TYLER, TX (KLTV)- Texans may soon have to prove they are a US citizen if they want to get, or renew a driver's license. Tucked into the must- pass state school finance bill is a provision that will soon become a law once Governor Rick Perry signs it.
"There are 20 million illegal aliens in the United States, if you are here illegally in the United States you are not authorized to drive without a driver's license in Texas," said State Rep. Leo Berman, (R) District 6.
Berman says Texan need to present authentic proof of citizenship to get their driver's license, saying right now, it is too easy for illegal immigrants to take advantage of the system.
"So if you go in with a false social security card they're going to check your social security number through the e-verify system and you could be arrested," said Berman.
Berman says the use of a fraudulent social security card could carry a penalty of three years in prison and up to a fine of $5000.
However, Gilbert Urvia says if this provision is turned into a law, it won't keep undocumented immigrants off the roads.
"It doesn't take away their opportunity to drive because even insurance companies sell insurance to an unlicensed driver," said Gilbert Urvia, Hispanic American Association.
Urvia says it's like trying to put a band-aid over a large wound, and may not work at the state level.
"If we could do it at the federal level it would work a lot better because its nation-wide and then it would be across the board rather than the state trying to implement a law and then people would just move in from one state to another," said Urvia.
Berman says Governor Perry is expected to sign the bill within the next two weeks.
The bill would go into effect immediately after that signing.
"There are 20 million illegal aliens in the United States, if you are here illegally in the United States you are not authorized to drive without a driver's license in Texas," said State Rep. Leo Berman, (R) District 6.
Berman says Texan need to present authentic proof of citizenship to get their driver's license, saying right now, it is too easy for illegal immigrants to take advantage of the system.
"So if you go in with a false social security card they're going to check your social security number through the e-verify system and you could be arrested," said Berman.
Berman says the use of a fraudulent social security card could carry a penalty of three years in prison and up to a fine of $5000.
However, Gilbert Urvia says if this provision is turned into a law, it won't keep undocumented immigrants off the roads.
"It doesn't take away their opportunity to drive because even insurance companies sell insurance to an unlicensed driver," said Gilbert Urvia, Hispanic American Association.
Urvia says it's like trying to put a band-aid over a large wound, and may not work at the state level.
"If we could do it at the federal level it would work a lot better because its nation-wide and then it would be across the board rather than the state trying to implement a law and then people would just move in from one state to another," said Urvia.
Berman says Governor Perry is expected to sign the bill within the next two weeks.
The bill would go into effect immediately after that signing.
Comment