Image: GoldenAgeofGaia

Correcting 11 Alive News in Atlanta on pending public safety legislation

Link to inaccurate news report on drivers license reform bill here.

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The Driver’s License, ID Credential and Voter Security Reform Act

Sponsor: Republican state Rep Jeff Jones – and many co-signers
HB 400                                                                         LC 41 1835

Elevator explanation

• The bill corrects state law to exclude all drivers licenses/ID Cards issued to non-citizens from consideration as “proper identification” at Georgia’s polls (seems like a separate story).
• While preserving the ability granted under the REAL ID Act of illegal aliens with deferred action on deportation and others to obtain a drivers license/ID Card, the bill defines lawful immigration status to match that of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS issues EADs (work permits) and uses a code system on those documents to denote lawful or unlawful immigration status.
• Using requirements taken from the REAL ID Act, creates a new tier of drivers license/ID Cards with an easily recognizable and unique design and color to replace the current credentials issued to the illegal aliens with deferred action on deportation and the other illegal immigration status’ who are currently being issued these credentials but who do not have lawful immigration status under the USCIS code system.
• The new and unique design would include a vertical orientation; similar to the way DDS issues these documents to Americans under age twenty-one. Currently, DDS issues the exact same credentials to the illegal aliens with deferred action on deportation as we issue to legal immigrants, which is only reads “LIMITED TERM”. These credentials are used as federally approved ID to board airliners and enter federal buildings and military bases.
• The bill does not grant drivers licenses or ID Cards to anyone who is not already receiving them. It serves to make these credentials issued to about 22,000 illegals notably different than what is given to Americans and legal immigrants. According to REAL ID Act regulations, the new credentials will bear the legend “NOT FOR FEDERAL USE.” And will also read “NOT U.S. CITIZEN” along photograph of bearer.
• Would add the legend: “NOT U.S. CITIZEN” to the drivers license and ID Cards now issued to legal immigrants, guest workers and students who are in the U.S. with legal temporary visas. Again, currently, these documents are only labeled “LIMITED TERM.” That will term will remain on the card.
• As further ID security, requires DDS to join the federal “RIDE” program so that Georgia drivers licenses and ID Cards used as ID to obtain employment are verified by the federal E-Verify system as other states have already done by agreement.

Below is an image of the proposed new design that would go to illegals ONLY, not all non-citizens as was reported. That includes DACA recipients, despite the very inaccurate statement that DACA illegals would not be able to obtain a drivers license included in the report from Dem Rep Brenda Lopez, who seems to be very confused.   BONUS: How many versions of a drivers license does Georgia issue now? HERE.

Proposed new design of drivers license for illegal aliens who are already getting one in Georgia. Image: DIS