Published: Feb 24, 2012

LA's Top Cop Backs Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

One of the top law enforcement officials in Los Angeles is backing a controversial idea to provide undocumented immigrants with drivers licenses, according to the LA Times.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck on Febru1ary 22 told a gathering of reporters from the Times that he personally believes undocumented immigrants in California should have access to drivers licenses. According to Beck, efforts to curb driving by undocumented immigrants in California have not worked over the past 14 to 16 years, and it's time to try a new approach.

“Why wouldn’t you want to put people through a rigorous testing process? Why wouldn’t you want to better identify people who are going to be here?” he asked the Times reporters.

The licenses could be distinct from regular drivers licenses in a variety of ways, he said, while acknowledging that providing such licenses could make it easier for terrorists to go unnoticed, the Times reported.

The issue of providing drivers licenses for illegal immigrants is controversial outside of California, as well. The practice is allowed in nearby New Mexico, but Republican Governor Susana Martinez is working hard to overturn the law, according to a recent Associated Press report.