Lawmakers Easily Pass Bill Allowing Driver's Licenses for Young Immigrants; Veto Uncertain

Omaha World Herald (Nebraska)

By Paul Hammel and Joe Duggan

May 21, 2015

Lawmakers easily pass bill allowing driver's licenses for young immigrants; veto uncertain 

State lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a bill ending Nebraska’s status as the only state to deny driver’s licenses to the children of illegal immigrants.

The bill passed 34-9, which would be four more votes than needed to override a possible veto by the governor.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, who opposes providing benefits to illegal immigrants, said Thursday he has not decided if he would veto Legislative Bill 623.

If the governor neither signs nor vetoes the legislation, it will take effect after five days because it passed with an emergency clause.

“He may choose not to veto the bill, but if he does, I’m confident we’ll be able to override a veto,” said Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, who introduced the legislation.

The bill allows young immigrants participating in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to qualify for licenses.

Advocates for the bill, which included state business groups and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, argued it didn’t make sense to deny driver’s licenses to young immigrants who grew up here, graduated from high school here and are likely to settle and work in Nebraska.

Such immigrants were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Advocates for the bill said those immigrants, if denied a driver’s license, would be likely to move to another state.

Opponents of the bill, meanwhile, maintained that granting driver’s licenses rewarded illegal behavior, regardless of who was responsible.

Susan Smith is founder of Nebraskans Advisory Group, an organization that advocates for strict enforcement of immigration laws. She urged the governor to veto the legislation.

“I and many others are appalled that so many in our Legislature, including Republicans,” voted to approve the bill, she said.

The policy was started three years ago by former Gov. Dave Heineman, who cited a state law that bans providing public benefits to illegal immigrants.

Three immigrants who have been denied driver’s licenses have sued the state over the policy. A judge heard arguments in the case last month but is not expected to issue a ruling until after the legislative session is scheduled to end June 5.

Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, who designated the bill his priority for the session, said he was gratified by the “overwhelming support” of his colleagues.

“I felt it was good legislation and good for Nebraska,” McCollister said of his decision to prioritize LB 623.

For more information, go to:  www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com