By Daniel González
The Arizona Republic
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s executive order telling state agencies to deny driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants granted work permits through President Barack Obama’s deferred-action program has ignited a debate that likely will spread to other states.
On Wednesday, the same day the deferred action took effect nationally, Brewer ordered state agencies to initiate policies to make sure any undocumented immigrant granted deferred action wouldn’t receive a driver’s license or other public benefits. But her order contradicts the current practice in Arizona, which issues driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants who have been granted work permits as part of other types of deferred action.
The latest deferred-action program is aimed at young illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors who have no other way to legalize their status. Those approved will be given a two-year deferment from deportation as well as the opportunity to apply for work permits, essentially allowing them to stay and work in the U.S. As many as 80,000 undocumented immigrants in Arizona may be eligible.
Update:
Arizona governor says public supports order barring driver’s licenses for young illegal immigrants/Phoenix Business Journal
Also:
US judge rebuffs Horne on vote forms/Capitol News Service/Arizona Daily Star
If interested in discussing immigration law, you can contact Brian Bergin, director of Rose Law Group’s litigation department, @bbergin@roselawgroup.com
