Licenses rejected for Undocumented Immigrants in Iowa

• Court decision affects immigrants' lives and possibly insurance rates for all drivers.

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that people who are in the United States illegally have no constitutional right to a driver's license. The ruling was a defeat for a Hispanic couple from Des Moines who challenged the state's refusal to allow them to take license tests. The decision strengthened opponents' arguments that granting licenses to undocumented people poses a security risk and rewards an illegal act. Advocates for the licenses, though, warned that thousands of illegal immigrants will continue to drive in constant fear of law enforcement and without insurance, increasing costs for everyone. The unanimous ruling said Iowa's license requirements are in place so that "governmental machinery" is not "a facilitator for the concealment of illegal aliens." Justices also said the issue should be decided by state lawmakers, and advocates immediately vowed to turn their attention to the state Capitol. "I agree that it's a privilege to drive. However, in a state like Iowa which has no public transportation, it is also a necessary privilege," said John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, administrator of the state Division of Latino Affairs. "If you don't have a driver's license, you're basically in an under-class. You're not present in our system." Ten states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, permit driver's licenses for immigrants in the country illegally. Iowa lawmakers contacted Friday said the issue faces many hurdles in the Legislature. State Republican leaders, for one, have been vocally opposed to the idea. "I think the Supreme Court made the right decision," said state Rep. Jamie Van Fossen of Davenport. "Driving is a privilege, not a right."  [more]