OPINION

Let undocumented Oregonians drive — safely

Statesman Journal Editorial Board

Oregon roads are safer if all drivers know and follow the rules of the road.

That is the straightforward premise behind Measure 88 on the Nov. 4 ballot. Voters will decide whether to ratify the 2013 Legislature's bipartisan decision to make short-term driver licenses available to undocumented Oregonians. The measure deserves a "yes" vote.

Oregonians for Immigration Reform and Protect Oregon Driver Licenses, who oppose the 2013 state law, blocked it from taking effect by gathering sufficient signatures to require a public election.

Those groups deserve credit for their commitment to this issue, which they see as tantamount to endorsing illegal immigration. However, Measure 88 is not a referendum on illegal immigration. Neither Oregon nor any other state has any say on immigration laws; that is the province of the federal government.

The reality is that hundreds of thousands of undocumented people live in Oregon, and they are here to stay. Many of them drive, such as to medical appointments, school, social gatherings, church, work or other destinations. If they are going to drive, don't we want them to do so safely — knowing and following Oregon laws?

Motor vehicle laws and customs vary throughout the world. For example, in Chiapas, Mexico, a driver uses his left-turn signal to alert drivers behind him that they can safely pass him on the left. That is the exact opposite of how a turn signal is used in the U.S., and someone who does not understand the difference could cause a serious crash.

Measure 88 supporters (from left), the Rev. Rick Davis of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, the Rev. Gary Langenwalter, a former Methodist minister, and Caroline Fitchett, the campaign director for Yes on 88, speak during a Statesman Journal Editorial Board meeting on Friday, Sept. 19.

Measure 88 would allow undocumented Oregonians to get a four-year driver card from the DMV if they:

• Pass an on-the-road driving test.

• Pass a written test.

• Provide proof of living in Oregon for more than a year.

• Provide proof of identification.

• Pay fees for the Class C driver card, which include $64 for the card ($44 for the renewal), $5 for the written test and $9 for the driving test.

The driver card is only for driving; it cannot otherwise be used as government ID. As the Measure 88 ballot title states, "The driver card may not be used as identification for air travel, to enter a federal building, to register to vote or to obtain any government benefit requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence in United States."

Thus, the DMV should design the driver card so it prominently states "Not valid as government ID" and cannot be confused with the regular eight-year driver license.

Opponents say that people in the U.S. illegally — having sneaked in or having overstayed a visa or work permit — will not be inclined to heed this law. Supporters of Measure 88 say that is not the case.

Many such immigrants arrived as children or were escaping horrific conditions in their home country. They want to be as legal as possible in their adopted country, which includes driving legally and carrying auto insurance. That is why 10 other states have adopted similar laws.

This is a simple measure to make Oregon roads safer. It deserves Oregonians' support.


Links

For information about the measure, go to OregonVotes.org and click on the link for the Voters' Guide.