Immigration Reform News 2013: New Arizona Policy Bans Driver's Licenses for Deferred Action Immigrants
Arizona took more steps this week to limit the abilities of undocumented immigrants in the state.
The state is expanding its already tough policy of banning undocumented immigrants from obtaining driver's license, even if they are allowed to stay and work. Now, the driver's license ban will also apply to those who are granted deferred action from deportation. According to the Arizona Republic, most of these people granted deferred action from deportation are those who have suffered from domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Governor Jan Brewer has been accused of discriminating against undocumented immigrants in President Barack Obama's deferred action program.
Brewer filed a brief earlier this week defending her policy. "The only conclusion is that no federal law or regulation preempts Arizona's authority to determine to whom it will issue a driver's license," the brief said, along with the argument that the state could face "potentially serious ramifications" if forced to grant licenses.
Just about every other state allows the deferred action immigrants to apply for driver's licenses. Regardless, the governor's office refuses to budge.
"Recipients of regular deferred action and deferred enforced departure, similar to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), cannot demonstrate authorized presence under federal law," a spokesperson for the governor said in an e-mail to the Arizona Republic.
The move by Arizona surely looks like one that is aimed directly at a goal of keeping immigrants away, otherwise the state would be encouraging them instead of limiting their ability to travel from one place to another.
"You have a population of people here who aren't going to be able to work even though they are willing and able to," said economist Tom Rex, who works at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Immigrant advocates are now pushing forward with a lawsuit to challenge the policy.
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