Re: What did Hagan's 2001 vote do?

uncgop — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:39:14 -0400

Former Senator Gully, a Democrat, of course would speak this rhetoric. The simple fact of the matter is the fact that these aliens are illegally in this country; therefore, why should they have access to the rights given to the CITIZENS of this country. The bill must have not been that great in the first place or else why would they further limit the scope five years later.

What did Hagan's 2001 vote do?

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:33:09 -0400

Did Kay Hagan's vote in 2001 hurt or help illegal immigrants applying for driver's licenses?

That depends on who you ask. The U.S. Senate candidate has been attacked by groups that oppose illegal immigration for her vote on the provision, but supporters say it actually made it tougher for immigrants to get a license.

The debate began in the late 1990s, when state officials relaxed the standards for driver's licenses in an effort to encourage illegal immigrants to get licenses and car insurance.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Republican legislators called for the state to stop giving licenses to illegal immigrants. The Democratic leadership responded by tightening requirements, but they stopped short of making it impossible for immigrants to get a license or recalling old licenses.

Activists argue that Hagan's vote for the budget bill — and therefore the measure — helped illegal immigrants get licenses. But former state Sen. Wib Gulley, who helped author the provision, says that's incorrect and unfair.

"It actually tightened the requirements for a license," he told Dome.

More after the jump.

newsobserver.com projects - What did Hagan's 2001 vote do? - Comments

Re: What did Hagan's 2001 vote do?

What did Hagan's 2001 vote do?