Believe In America.com

butterbean · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 2271

(WJZ) BALTIMORE Two lawmakers want to do something about illegal aliens getting licenses as soon as possible. Others believe it's a good idea that should be done the right way.

A truck driver in this country illegally was arraigned outside Pittsburgh on vehicular manslaughter charges after the traffic death of a Honduran diplomat. In December, a small boy in a baby carriage near Towson was hit and dragged to death by a SUV driven by a woman who is an illegal alien. Both suspects had Maryland driver's licenses.

State senator Janet Greenip is one of two lawmakers sponsoring bills that would make it illegal to issue a Maryland driver's license to people who can't prove they're in this country legally.

Lawmakers who oppose Greenip's bill agree with what she's trying to do as long as it's done the right way.

Delegate Heller says bills are based on the Federal Real ID Act. It would force Maryland to require residents to provide birth and other written proof of residency that could over time become impossible to produce.

Senator Greenip says she knows there are details that need to be worked out. She just wants the process to start soon, but Delegate Heller believes the legislation is based on a bad federal law that should be revised.

http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_043203101.html