Battle looming over Colorado immigrant driver’s licenses

DENVER — Colorado immigrant advocates frustrated over long waiting periods for people who want driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status vowed to pressure lawmakers in the coming months to free up money so the program can meet demand.

A coalition of immigrant rights groups said this week that they would be lobbying lawmakers to allow more offices to issue the special licenses, but they will have a difficult time convincing Republicans who dislike the program and have gained control over half of Colorado’s Legislature.

The GOP has fought back in other states that give licenses to those in the U.S. illegally or with temporary legal status. In New Mexico, Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, the nation’s only Latina governor, has tried to repeal the law a number of times, but her efforts have stalled in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Ten states and the District of Columbia have such programs, which supporters say help keep immigrants insured and informed about the rules of the road. Opponents argue that the licenses condone illegal behavior.

Read more: http://www.abqjournal.com/659876/news/nm-news/battle-looming-over-colorado-immigrant-drivers-licenses.html