Population Group Applauds Governor’s Promise to Veto Driver’s License Bill

By Rick Oltman, Earthtimes.org
June 5, 2007

SANTA BARBARA, CA — Governor Schwarzenegger’s promise to veto SB 60 — which would provide driver’s licenses to those who illegally entered the country — received warm praise from a nonprofit group concerned about illegal immigration.

"We thank the Governor for responding to the demands of Californians," said Diana Hull, president of Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS). "His commitment to veto the illegal alien driver’s license bill stands in sharp contrast to the message of appeasement we are hearing from Washington."

Polls repeatedly show that California voters oppose the driver’s license legislation by a 2-1 margin.

On Monday, representatives from CAPS were in Sacramento for the annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire, a national drive for immigration reform, when KOGO radio’s Roger Hedgecock asked Governor Schwarzenegger if he would again veto the bill.

"Absolutely," the governor replied. The California Senate passed SB 60 by a vote of 24-15 on the same day. It now moves to the Assembly.

"We must secure the border," Schwarzenegger added. "I am very much against amnesty. I think amnesty does not work."

The U.S. Senate is currently debating immigration legislation that includes an amnesty for the 12 to 20 million illegal aliens currently in the country.

Repealing a previous version of the license bill signed by then Governor Davis was a centerpiece of Schwarzenegger’s successful campaign in the recall election of 2003. Schwarzenegger signed the repeal that December.

In 1993, CAPS was instrumental in passing SB 976, which implemented the current requirements that applicants must show legal presence in California before they can obtain a license.

"Giving driver’s licenses to those who have broken our immigration laws, just like granting amnesty, simply encourages more illegal immigration. It is exactly the wrong approach," Hull stated. "Americans are justifiably appalled when their government condones illegal immigration, which brings unbearable traffic, overcrowded hospitals and dysfunctional schools."

Californians for Population Stabilization

CONTACT: Rick Oltman of Californians for Population Stabilization,

+1-415-215-9550, +1-805-564-6626, [email protected]