paulbot24
02-22-2013, 11:00 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A new North Carolina driver's license set to be issued to some illegal immigrants has a bright pink stripe and the bold words "NO LAWFUL STATUS," raising concerns about whether the design will brand those who show it. Cinthia Marroquin, a 22-year-old Raleigh resident awaiting approval for a DACA permit, said the longer the license issue is delayed, the longer it will take for her to get a job. "We just want to be able to get a job and drive to work."
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina also takes issue with the designation. "North Carolina should not be making it harder for aspiring citizens to integrate and contribute to our communities by branding them with a second-class driver's license," said ACLU attorney Raul Pinto. "There is simply no reason for officials to stigmatize people who are in the U.S. legally with an unnecessary marker that could lead to harassment, confusion, and racial profiling."
Regardless of what edict Obama passes down, when you get down to brass tacks, the people this state law is affecting currently do not have proper documentation to be defined as a legal US citizen. They have "No lawful status" as the license will state. Yet, I would bet these people with no documentation still have a much easier time finding a job or getting an apartment than somebody with a conviction from the '80s. I'm not just talking felonies, many applications ask if you've ever been arrested for a crime not including traffic. Not convicted, but arrested. My question is, where is the ACLU when it comes to millions of Americans who have a criminal record, finished their parole or probation and currently have lawful status to live and work here? Why is it easier for somebody who currently has no legal documentation, no present lawful status to be here have an easier time to "integrate and contribute to our communities" than legal citizens with a past criminal violation, which could basically be called "Past unlawful status"? Is a past illegal activity somehow worse than a current and sustained one? Once again, the ACLU picks the emotionally charged issues that affect a small portion of people (comparatively), than one that could help millions of presently law-abiding citizens get on with their lives. Link to the article below:
http://news.yahoo.com/pink-stripe-nc-illegal-immigrant-licenses-eyed-204800831.html
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina also takes issue with the designation. "North Carolina should not be making it harder for aspiring citizens to integrate and contribute to our communities by branding them with a second-class driver's license," said ACLU attorney Raul Pinto. "There is simply no reason for officials to stigmatize people who are in the U.S. legally with an unnecessary marker that could lead to harassment, confusion, and racial profiling."
Regardless of what edict Obama passes down, when you get down to brass tacks, the people this state law is affecting currently do not have proper documentation to be defined as a legal US citizen. They have "No lawful status" as the license will state. Yet, I would bet these people with no documentation still have a much easier time finding a job or getting an apartment than somebody with a conviction from the '80s. I'm not just talking felonies, many applications ask if you've ever been arrested for a crime not including traffic. Not convicted, but arrested. My question is, where is the ACLU when it comes to millions of Americans who have a criminal record, finished their parole or probation and currently have lawful status to live and work here? Why is it easier for somebody who currently has no legal documentation, no present lawful status to be here have an easier time to "integrate and contribute to our communities" than legal citizens with a past criminal violation, which could basically be called "Past unlawful status"? Is a past illegal activity somehow worse than a current and sustained one? Once again, the ACLU picks the emotionally charged issues that affect a small portion of people (comparatively), than one that could help millions of presently law-abiding citizens get on with their lives. Link to the article below:
http://news.yahoo.com/pink-stripe-nc-illegal-immigrant-licenses-eyed-204800831.html