Driver's license debate comes to Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - A public hearing on Georgia House Bill 851 to remove immigration status
as a condition for getting a driver permit in Georgia convened Friday morning in the Georgia Mountains Center.

Lines were clearly drawn on State Reprentative Barbara Mobley's bill.

The Decatur Democrat chaired the hearing, the third and last of three meetings to gather opinions on the measure.

The standing room audience was predominantly Latino,reflecting the Gainesville area's large Hispanic community.

Opponent Jimmy Herchek called the bill an "unfair loophole" while supporter Jimmy Gonzales said three Georgia police chiefs have endorced it.

Gonzales and other supporters pointed out that other states have already lifted immigration status to allow aliens to get a driver's license.

Opponent Doug Williamson said the proposal was unconstitutional.

"You shouldn't even be up here trying to get an unconstitutional law passed in our country," said Williamson.

Mexican American Carol Ivey said illegal aliens buy cars and pay taxes, why not let them get a license and insurance?

"Let's allow them to do the right thing," said Ivey.

"If this is going to help, let's do it."