Group supports immigrant "driver cards"

ALGOMA - A new push in the area toward allowing immigrants regardless of status to have "driver cards" - a limited purpose driver's license. The idea was part of the state budget plan last year, but was removed.

Thursday, a group that has tried to get the cards approved before held a forum in Kewaunee.

Allowing an illegal immigrant to get behind the wheel legally in Wisconsin is something Cindy Bruening would like to see.

"I think it will help make our roads and communities more safe," said Bruenig.

Bruenig represents Voces de la Frontera, and coordinates sessions like one held Thursday night in Algoma for the Coalition for Safe Roads.

"I think people will have access to education, to know the rules of the road," said Bruenig. "They'll have greater access to be able to get auto insurance in order to make sure that no one is having to pay greater costs for having uninsured drivers on the roads."

The legal status of immigrants is something federal, not local, law enforcement deals with. The Kewaunee County Sheriff likes the idea of "limited purpose" drivers licenses.

"All again we can do is deal with the reality of those persons traveling on our roads, operating on our roads, and do what we can to create once again that safe environment," said Sheriff Matt Joski, Kewaunee County. "We hope that maybe through this, this opens up the conversation and that sooner or later there will be an addressing of that bigger issue."

"I just can't understand what part of illegal don't people understand," said State Senator Alan Lasee, R - De Pere.

Lasee notes the issue is being raised a few weeks before an election. He also says the idea of driver cards "flies in the face" of people who immigrated legally.

"I'd be really cool toward the idea, only because if illegal aliens are illegal why then try to give them the appearance of a legal status by having a driver's card. That would be a bit troubling I would think," said Lasee.

Neither the senate nor the assembly will be considering the issue at least until the new legislature, elected next month, convenes in January.

The Coalition for Safe Roads is holding forums in Milwaukee, Madison, and Eau Claire in the next few weeks. After that, organizers say they will evaluate their next steps.