Local non-profits weigh in on controversial bill

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

The Texas Legislature is in the process of approving what could be one of the most controversial immigration laws since Arizona Senate Bill 1070.

If approved, the law will require officials of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to ask for proof of citizenship or legal status from anyone seeking a new or renewed driver’s license, according to a press release.

The new policy is actually an amendment added to a must-pass education funding bill which is needed to help balance the state budget. The policy was added by Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, after it was originally included on the failed Senate Bill 9.

News of the proposed policy has some locals upset at the potential consequences of such a law. Among those locals is Rogelio Nuñez of Casa de Proyecto Libertad in Harlingen and the Narcisco Martinez Cultural Arts Center in San Benito.

“We have immigrants in this country, and they drive, so it would be in the best interest of the immigrants and the country if they have a proper driver’s license issued by the state so that they can drive legally and get insurance on their cars,” said Nuñez. “While the state has the authority to issue driver’s licenses, my thinking is that it’s in the best interest in this country that we have people who are driving on our highway’s who are licensed to drive.”

Nuñez said that there are already provisions in place that prevent immigrants from obtaining a driver’s license, such as needing to have a birth certificate or social security card.

“Everyone who is going to be on the highways should have a driver’s license that’s issued by the state of Texas, they should pass the exams, and they should qualify to drive,” Nuñez said. “That should ensure safety for the individual who needs it and the public who will be driving on public highways.”

Meanwhile, Michael Siefert of the Equal Voice Network of the Rio Grande Valley believes that the said policy will only make the roads more dangerous for the American public.

To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 10 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.