North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
|
Click PayPal link for direct credit card contribution or PayPal payment options. (No PayPal account necessary!)
Interested in Receiving NDHRC Email Newsletter? |
E-mail Testimony Senate Bill 2099 Senate Transportation Committee January 15, 2005
Chairman Trenbeath and members of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am Cheryl Bergian, Director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The Coalition includes a broad-based, statewide membership of individuals and organizations interested in the furtherance of human rights in North Dakota; the Coalition’s mission is to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights.
We oppose the changes in SB 2099 which would affect the ability of aliens in the United State to receive driver's licenses and photo identification. We echo the concerns raised by Christopher Dodson, Executive Director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, at the hearing on this bill on Friday, January 14. Aliens, by definition, are from other countries than the United States and legislation regarding aliens and their rights or privileges should be examined closely by this committee to avoid disparate treatment that is not closely related to a legitimate governmental need.
We question the purpose behind the legislation. The reason for driver's licenses is public safety, the assurance that those who operate motor vehicles know the rules of the road and have basic skills in operating those vehicles. To deny aliens a driver's license is to fail in that goal.
The reason for identity cards is to provide for proof of identity. To deny aliens those, based on a motor vehicle department worker's ability to understand complex immigration status requirements, would also fail. Few attorneys in North Dakota practice in immigration law; to expect the motor vehicle department to be able to train staff members in determining immigration status is unrealistic.
We ask that the committee delete sections 1 and 2 of SB 2099 or give the bill a do not pass recommendation.
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961 Phone: (701) 239-9323 Fax: (701) 478-4452 Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org
|
