Reis Opposes Giving Driving Privileges to Illegal Aliens

State Representative David Reis said he's disappointed Governor Pat Quinn put his signature on a recently-passed bill that will grant driver's licenses to undocumented illegal aliens.

"There are a number of reasons I stood in strong opposition to this piece of legislation, not the least of which is it ignores current law and the US Constitution," Reis stated.  "What part of 'illegal' don't they understand?"

One of the last bills enacted by the expiring 97th General Assembly, SB 957 sparked much controversy and opposition.  It instructs the Secretary of State's office to grant driver's licenses to adults who are not legal residents of the United States.

"I believe that we have fundamental problems with our national immigration policy and those problems need to be addressed at the federal level," Reis said.  "I consider driving to be a privilege that must be earned.  State proposals such as this do not solve the underlying problem, but simply reinforce what is already illegal behavior."

The legislation will become effective Novmeber 28.