Patch on Politics

Should Illegal Immigrants Be Granted Drivers Licenses in Illinois?

The Senate approved drivers licenses for illegal immigrants on Tuesday, with bipartisan backing. What do you think? Take the Patch Poll.

The Illinois House will soon take up a bill passed in the Illinois Senate Tuesday that allows illegal immigrants to obtain temporary drivers' licenses and insurance. Half of the GOP lawmakers in the Illinois Senate voted against the bill. The measure passed, though, with a final vote of 41-14. Senate Bill 957 would enable about 250,000 illegal immigrants who already drive in Illinois to have a chance to go through drivers testing, receive a special license good for three years and purchase insurance. That means safer roads for Illinoisans, backers of the bill say. Officials say uninsured immigrants behind the wheel cause $64 million in damage claims every year. Voting against the measure were Republican senators Tim Bivins, Larry Bomke, …

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Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a College Education? MomTalk Q&A

Gov. Quinn signed the DREAM Act to help pay education costs for documented and undocumented immigrants, alike, and give illegal immigrant students some protection against deportation.

Gov. Pat Quinn recently signed the Illinois DREAM Act, which supports a privately funded account to help children of legal and illegal immigrants finance college educations. The fund will rely entirely on private donation and not Illinois tax dollars. While the bill will not be a way for illegals to gain citizenship, it will provide some protection against deportation. Additionally, school officials will be encouraged to become well versed in educational and financial opportunities for these children. The state's two college tuition savings programs will also become available to those families with either a social security or state identification number. To qualify for a private college scholarship, students must have one immigrant parent…

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