Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The Arlington County Board wants to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Wednesday, the board vote four to nothing with one abstention to include the idea in the county’s proposed priorities for the 2017 general assembly session. Current law requires people applying for licenses to show proof of identity, residency and legal presence in the U.S.
“If Arlington really thinks that we’re gonna pass such a law, there’s a better chance that you’re gonna see a herd of unicorns in your backyard tomorrow morning when you get up,” said Del. Scott Lingamfelter.
Lingnamfelter said the move is purely a political statement because board members know giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants is completely out of step with the views of most Virginians.
Board Member Christian Dorsey and others contend illegal immigrants in Virginia have difficulty accessing jobs because they can’t drive.
“I can not buy or drive a car, and many times I have had to use two busses and transfer several times to get to work. I leave my house at 6 a.m. in the morning and get into work after two hours. This is a long journey of carrying a heavy vacuum and other cleaning supplies and then returning home very late at night,” Arlington resident Ingrid Vaca told the board.
Lingamfelter said driving isn’t the only way to get around. People without licenses can take busses.
“If you want to be able to get around easily and hold work in America, then you should be here legally. I don’t know what is so hard about understanding this concept,” said Lingamfelter.
Dorsey said he doesn’t understand why people should have to be in the U.S. legally in order to get licenses.
Proponents also said giving illegal immigrants licenses would increase the number of insured drivers on the roads, which would decrease premiums since people pay extra to protect themselves in the even they are involved in an accident with an illegal immigrant.
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