A coalition of immigrant advocacy organizations yesterday launched a campaign calling for Initiative 52, approved in November, which would give driving licenses to undocumented aliens in Colorado.

The campaign "Licenses for All" calls for "all residents of Colorado, even those who cannot prove legal residence in this state, to obtain a driver's license or identification card" if they meet certain requirements, said Jose Sanchez, campaign press coordinator.

These requirements, Sanchez said, include "show that it has contributed to Colorado," meaning, having paid taxes, as well as having a valid ID and be able to demonstrate that the person lives in Colorado, for example, by showing public utility bills in the person´s name.

As minimum, the undocumented person who wants access to licenses, must obtain a tax identification number (ITIN), having paid taxes in Colorado at least the year prior to applying for the license, and have a passport, birth certificate or other document duly issued by the immigrant´s country of origin.

We need to give licenses to illegal immigrants, Sanchez said, because "they are driving anyway," so "it would be better for the public if they had driving licenses and could buy insurance for their cars."

"We estimate that up to 150,000 Colorado residents would qualify for state ID or driver's license if Initiative 52 gets approved," the spokesman said.

Until 1999, all Colorado residents could obtain a driver's license or identification card, regardless of their immigration status. Since 1999, those requesting these documents must prove they legally reside in the country.

The laws changed again in 2006 when, as part of the "state immigration reform", new restrictions and requirements were implemented for obtain a driver´s license, including, for example, presenting original birth certificates.

In order for Initiative 52 to be included on the ballot next November, the campaign must collect just over 86,000 signatures of registered voters before next August 6.

New Mexico and Washington are the only two states that grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. In Utah, an undocumented immigrant receives a "driving privilege card", but not licenses.

editorial@sandiegored.com