Mich. Bans Licenses For Illegal Immigrants

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan will no longer let illegal immigrants get driver's licenses, a practice just seven other states now allow. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land of Michigan, who oversees the state motor vehicle department, announced the new policy yesterday and said it takes effect today. Some people who are in Michigan legally but not permanent residents also will be denied licenses unless state law is changed.

The change is aimed at complying with an opinion issued last month by Attorney General Mike Cox, who said granting licenses to illegal immigrants is inconsistent with federal law. Opinions by the attorney general's office are legally binding on state agencies and officers unless reversed by the courts. The new policy applies to first-time applicants for a Michigan driver's license or identification card. Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington do not require drivers to prove legal status to obtain a license. Governor Spitzer of New York last year proposed allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses, but withdrew the idea under heavy criticism.