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Georgia to Issue Driver's Licenses to Immigrants on Deferred Status

The state of Georgia is reported to be issuing licenses to immigrants qualifying for deferred status under the president's new directive. Do you believe this is the right step for the state to be taking?

With a directive from President Barack Obama requiring deferred action in certain cases related to illegal immigration, Georgia and other states have been left in a quandary on what to do about driver’s licenses.

Under the president’s new policy that went into effect last week, under certain conditions some immigrants are no longer considered illegal. This directive applies to immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before they turned 16, are under 30 or younger, have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and are in school, have graduated or served in the military. A problem, however, arises with regard to driver's licenses. The new directive leaves them legally in the country, but not legally allowed to drive.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Georgia’s Republican Attorney General Sam Olens, has decided the best way around it is to issue temporary driver’s licenses in these cases. Olens is reported to have issued a statement saying that while he doesn’t agree with the president’s actions, Georgia would recognize someone with an approved deferred status as being eligible for a temporary license. He did, however, say this status would not make them eligible for a state identification card.

According to the AJC story, it’s not just the young illegal immigrants who qualify for deferred status. Federal immigration authorities can also grant this action to others at their discretion.

Gov. Jan Brewer, on the other hand, reportedly issued a directive in the state of Arizona instructing agencies not to issue driver's licenses or benefits to anyone under a deferred immigration status. She did this last week as soon as the directive went into effect.

So do you think Georgia has made the right decision to grant licenses or should it follow Arizona’s example? Tell us in comments. 

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Size Matters Fitnesss August 26, 2012 at 11:32 pm
I think it's all BS. I have never seen any such perversions that top "political correctness"! Politicians are all self serving and don't think for a minute that any of them lose sleep about any of us or our problems.
Georgia Democrat August 26, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Mitt Romney's family tree includes polygamy. He might even be his own grandpa :D Now, that would be embarrassing. Just wait a bit, Letterman will have some funny stuff to say about the Democratic Convention in Charlotte. He's an equal opportunity comic. And, you guys will laugh your hineys off. The Rs shouldn't have chosen a venue during hurricane season on the Gulf of Mexico. We all know why they picked Tampa, but I don't feel sorry for them having to delay because of the approaching storm. And, they've had plenty of notice to get out of the way; it's not like they're in any danger, unless they continue anyway despite the threat of nature's wrath. Yes, R, both parties vet their candidates. @Chris: Mike is bitchin' about Pres. Obama's uncle nearly killing a cop. That's why I mentioned Laura Bush's unfortunate ACCIDENT. You make a stupid, irrelevant comment to me, you're going to get a response from me. Well, not always. Sometimes I just roll my eyes.
Georgia Democrat August 26, 2012 at 11:46 pm
No, no, Mike. I did not blame the SS scandal in Colombia on Bush, and I don't know how you came to that conclusion. Jeff threw out that line about the SS in the commentary about Obama's daughters going to Mexico. (Which was not at all nice.) Do you guys read the previous comments before you post? It really doesn't much look like you do. You're having trouble connecting the thoughts. Obama's SS are in the same organization as Bush used, Clinton, Daddy Bush, and so on. They're not "Obama's" SS. "Obama's SS" is also protecting Romney. If something happens or there's a scandal, I know you are going to blame Obama personally, aren't you? You ask: "Tell me this, in your eyes, is there anything that is currently wrong within the US that isn't Bush's fault?" I answer: NOT MUCH. Imagine this: I was just as angry during Bush's admin. as you are now about Obama's. But there are big differences. I didn't call the POTUS defammatory, nasty names. And Obama didn't start two wars. So, I don't think your anger is justified.
Georgia Democrat August 26, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Mike, I laughed at the joke, the joke. Not destruction. Bet you have laughed at worse. Think about it. Your outrage is overblown.
Georgia Democrat August 27, 2012 at 12:00 am
Mike, I had a nice time in the sunshine today. Hope you did. You think my comments are uncivil because you can't get me to agree with you. You are the one who posts mean rants. I can't write a comment without you, Jeff B and now Chris without you pouncing. You try your best to rattle me, but I stand firm in my beliefs because they are based on fact and reason, not emotion and inaccurate ideas from someone else's madness. I think you have talked about hormones before. That's an odd (and very personal) thing to say. @Chris, I have never called Rs Republicants, Republithugs, Tea Baggers or any other derogatory name. I'm not the brainless one.
Racer X August 27, 2012 at 12:17 am
GD- I did get out into the sunshine today and feel much better. I was thinking of you as I was hanging my laundry.
Racer X August 27, 2012 at 12:20 am
GD- In this same blog sub you said "The SS guys are probably many of the same who served under Bush. It's the same organization, not Obama's SS."
Jesus Christ. The question is: Are you reading your own spew?
Racer X August 27, 2012 at 12:22 am
SMF- Amen.
Racer X August 27, 2012 at 12:34 am
GD- "I'm not the brainless one." I am pretty sure if we took a vote, most would agree, Yes. Yes you are.
Luckily, for you, I am sure an Executive Directive could fix that vote. Now I'm really gone, bye y'all.
R August 27, 2012 at 02:47 am
@ GA Dem
No they really don't, not in the way or to depth one normally views the process outside the beltway in the non political world... And that's not Bush's fault either its OURS!
Georgia Democrat August 27, 2012 at 09:49 am
Wonder if I can borrow Bush's big sign: "Mission Accomplished!"
Mack August 27, 2012 at 12:42 pm
What is it about 'illegal' that our government does not understand? by giving out drivers liscense gives them a foot hold. They take away from our legal citizens everyday. Have you ever been involved in a traffic accident with an illegal? No insurance, no license, and a stolen tag. Could not get them to pay because they did not own any thing. Insurance cost will rise due to this. So we pay for their mistakes.
Elizabeth August 27, 2012 at 07:56 pm
@ Mike Horsman: It sounds like you love the South. You may not have been born in the South, but you got here as quickly as you could, then you "acted right" once you got here!
R August 27, 2012 at 08:21 pm
@ Ga. Dem
Started 2 wars? Oh you must believe we flew our OWN planes into the NY towers … At best he gets credit for starting 1, JUST like your man, who by the way had 2 in process and ADDED a third for a complete 3 ring circus… The rest just refines the message of Hope and Change. If it changed, the President did it. If it didn’t, the President claims he continues under the Bush policies, the SAME ones he ran against in 2008 and PROMISED to CHANGE! So since SS agents weren’t cited under Bush administration for NOT paying the hookers, President Obama gets to claim it! And they should be punished, for “NOT redistributing the wealth” … UNLESS the agents just held back the healthcare coverage portion of the price afterward, its just so hard to figure what part of that law is active, inactive or simply not written yet…
Racer X August 27, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Hey Elizabeth- Love the South? Yes, I do. I completely embrace it. Thanks for your kind words.
amy December 15, 2012 at 02:58 pm
Its so funny how you so called Americans tend to claim this country as your own,when in reality your ancestors obtained it with death,killing and torture. So you feel the necessity to accuse other immigrants just like your ancestors because yes they where immigrants as well, for taking your rights.It seems as if all this education you tend to say you have is worth nothing because all of you oversee what reality truely is. Get over it you didnt obtain this country on your own you stole it from the true beholders and now its our turn. So stop being so dam ignorant and learn to accept all human beings.Just because we are divided by a border or an ocean does not mean we are not all human beings. I swear thats why all these dam massacers occur then you want to start acting like you dont understand why there is so much crime in the world. It all starts with just one page online where people express "freedom of speech" and end up killing innocent!! Think about that next time you want to hate somebody for what they are!!! God bless all of you because you truely need him in your life!!!
Charles Allen December 15, 2012 at 05:19 pm
I agree with the first post, which I might add is posted pursuant to what we in America who are true Americans call our 1st Amendment Rights: Our president is an idiot and that's putting it mildly,
John B December 15, 2012 at 05:22 pm
Are you advocating we abolish all immigration laws and open up the borders to everyone because we're all human beings? Please tell me what you're doing as a "true american" that the rest of us "so called americans" could mirror so we could be more like you.
John B December 15, 2012 at 05:22 pm
Are you advocating we abolish all immigration laws and open up the borders to everyone because we're all human beings? Please tell me what you're doing as a "true american" that the rest of us "so called americans" could mirror so we could be more like you.
Tammy Osier December 15, 2012 at 06:04 pm
All freedom requires responsibility. That can be applied to each and every conversation anyone has on freedom. The bible says, you will know the truth and it will set you free. You are not free (in that sense) until you "apply" the knowlege. Same here. freedom doesn't mean willy nilly, anything goes. We are to call one another to account. That has nothing to do with love and acceptance. I love every man, woman and child, but doesn't mean I will let someone who will harm my family into my home. I still love them, but they can't come near me and mine until they change something. We must be a nation of laws (propose being to keep us safe) or we will perish.
Mr. B December 15, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Oh how quickly we forget.
Vanessa April 3, 2013 at 08:20 pm
All of you that are against the people that have gotten a deferred action work permit, are all just plain ignorant! You all are immigrants here! Unless you are part native! So stop barging on the people that like your ancestors, have comes here to make a difference! Some have been here since they were babies! They have grown up here! This is the only country they know! So why not stop being ignorant pieces of crap and actually see that they help you all. I never see some "American" working out in the sun from dawn to sunset! So stop! Just stop saying that the president is stupid! He sees the truth that others are too blind to see! I am freaking 16 years old and I've had to grow up in this country where people only care about a paper than the ability to do something right! So stop discriminating!
Racer X April 4, 2013 at 01:49 am
"............have comes here to make a difference!" May I assume this is Vanessa Williams?
The difference, Vanessa Darling, is that our relatives fought wars, for years, gave their lives, met requirements, some even endured slavery for us to be here. The ones you speak of just jumped a fence, that's all. Totally different genetic and moral make-up Sweet-heart.
Vanessa April 4, 2013 at 02:40 am
Listen darling... Not all Latinos have jumped fences! Some have came here and actually follow laws! Some pay taxes, pay insurance, and left the place of birth for the reason that their home has becomes a dangerous place. No offense intended but if I may recall the ones who had to go through slavery were colored skin people not whites. You people killed the original owners of this land... I don't see any difference with the discrimination done ages years ago towards black with the one being done now. Sure we don't get treated as slaves but trust me we get treated as If my kind was some kind of trash.
Racer X April 4, 2013 at 03:12 am
You will find, sweet girl, that you will "get treated" just as you behave. If you want to be treated like a decent citizen, you must act like one and be responsible. My wife's grandmother is a Cherokee and I hold most Native Americans in very high-esteem. One of my best friends on this Earth is Cheyenne, descended from the Dog Soldiers, and I look up to him, an awesome man, not because he is Cheyenne, but because he is part of this Earth's cure, rather than part of the disease. He looks at reservations much as most look at housing projects and other entitlements, with disdain. These government institutions are killing the red and black man, rather than saving them.
R April 4, 2013 at 04:37 am
Darling
Legal immigrants come by the millions and do all you claim, but they come though the front door with respect of self and others, pride in what they stand for and ready to work for the betterment of all. "illegal immigration", well that's the gimme mentality on display, claiming I need special treatment! Its too hard!!! We DEMAND you give us everything because we are entitled to it - how are we entitled? Simply because we breathe. Even though millions do it the right way every day that the sun rises... These illegals just plan on finding fools lazier than they are and desperately hope that those useful idiots don't wake-up until it's just too late... Yes, gentle readers, why its true that some illegals "do the jobs that others won't do", like an impersonation of a swarm of locusts, devouring the assets, then MOVING on... Why even the Borg would be proud. Finally, Illegal immigration isn't just about Latinos - lots of nationalities are involved, sad but true - even if that shocks the self-proclaimed progressives and the LaRaza types out there... Unleashed by one who travels the world with spare limousines in his pocket ....
David Brown April 4, 2013 at 11:43 am
Charles, I adhere to what the Bible says about praying for, respecting and honoring our President. (Romans 13:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Titus 3:1-2; and 1 Peter 2:13-17.) I didn't vote for President George W. Bush in either 2000 or 2004, but I respected him, honored him and prayed regularly for him, Laura, Barbara and Jenna. I would rather have you upset with me, than have God upset with me for not following his Word.=)
Racer X April 4, 2013 at 11:52 am
No one, absolutely no one, deserves automatic respect. It must be earned. I will respect Obama when he voluntarily resigns. He has done Black America a huge disservice by simultaneously being our first Black President and our worst President ever.
We are a nation now more divided than ever, squabbling over issues the government shouldn't be involved with anyway, while the private party in DC, both Republican AND Democrat, goes on and on and on. What fools we have become. The government is out of control and has become so complex, there are no easy fixes, except the axe.
David Brown April 4, 2013 at 12:18 pm
"No one, absolutely no one, deserves automatic respect. It must be earned." Racer X, your statement is diametrically opposed to what the Bible teaches.
Vox Rationis April 4, 2013 at 06:07 pm
David, I completely agree with you. I believe the exact opposite of what Racer X has espoused. Everyone, absolutely everyone, deserves respect. As Mother Teresa, one of my heroes, simply stated: "I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?" Have charity toward each other (whoever they are, whatever their condition, regardless of their views) on this website and in life, and you will find peace. And, you might even find that others are more willing to listen to you.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Tammy Osier June 18, 2013 at 01:08 am
Sadly, Mr. Newman, we have people who live in a utopic vision of the world and refuse to believeRead More that this can happen. Sounds a bit like 1984. Ironic too, is that in the bible, when the Lord was referring to people being blinded and going astray, he referred to them as sheep, and that phrase has been coined today to denote the same type of mentality. This could happen if our watchmen stop guarding the gate.
Rona Gibbs Watts June 17, 2013 at 02:50 pm
I would be stir crazy if this was my missing dog.
Rona Gibbs Watts June 17, 2013 at 02:52 pm
Have the area Vet offices been contacted or has she be checked for a microchip? People, PLEASERead More microchip your dogs.
tijensen June 15, 2013 at 12:34 pm
The better assignment would have been how could you have written a letter to try and convince themRead More not to commit suicide. To persuade them about all the wonderful things you love about them, how special they are and what the world would miss if they were not in it. A creative teacher could have used the same exercise to teach a life lesson that may have helped someone save a life down the road.
Tammy Osier June 15, 2013 at 12:40 pm
TJ, exactly. Like you said, a GOOD teacher would have found a way to make students think outside theRead More box yet still examine the mood of the story. But I do agree with ggy that it might have been more appropriate for a college aged student. High school (girls especially) have so much drama going on inside of them, and confusion about so many things, that it might be impossible for them to be objective in an assignment like that. Boo to the teacher.
flyinby June 15, 2013 at 08:34 pm
strikes me as more subversive attempts by perverted minds dedicated to influence all our childrenRead More with this sick mindset: http://larouchepac.com/node/11188 http://www.naturalnews.com/040744_euthanasia_children_mercy_killings.html http://www.lifenews.com/2013/06/06/sarah-palin-blasts-sebelius-for-denying-girls-lifesaving-lung-transplant/ http://cnsnews.com/blog/judie-brown/lives-unworthy-be-lived-and-polst http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/the-elite-are-attempting-to-convince-us-that-killing-off-our-sick-grandparents-is-cool-and-trendy suicides higher than car crashes past few yrs http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2207089/56-million-suicide-prevention-programme-launched-study-reveals-Americans-lives-die-car-crashes.html http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/02/08/more-states-consider-legalizing-assisted-suicide-as-baby-boomers-age/
Octo Slash June 14, 2013 at 12:18 pm
My kids drink coffee every morning because they need something to accompany their cigarettes.
Tammy Osier June 14, 2013 at 01:12 pm
Tr - the perfect diet - the Mediterranean diet has a lot of fish in it. Olive oils etc... OurRead More American diet has a lot of animal fat in it and look at us as opposed to other nations! Fish oil is brain food. A multi is good, but we should ask our pediatricians about adding fish oil to our kids' diets. We should get our (good) fats through diet. Good fats help vitamins go where they are supposed to and do what they're supposed to do.
Deedee June 15, 2013 at 08:12 pm
My grandma always drunk coffee all day and I started around 30 and I am no good without at least oneRead More cup a day but she always stated that we couldn't have any as kids because it will stunt our growth. I have always felt that there is something to many of those old sayings and did not let my son touch it.
Tammy Osier June 17, 2013 at 01:53 pm
DR, seems like an oxymoron doesn't it? I'd like to hear from someone who is actually from there toRead More find out their spin on why they even enter a contestant in the first place. It's my understanding that a woman that shows that much skin in public will be flogged or worse? Maybe democracy is taking ahold in some places, who knows?
Good Grief Y'all June 17, 2013 at 03:24 pm
I was wrong. Guys are interested pageants. You would no doubt be happy if the contestants justRead More wore the face shawl with their bikinis.
Karsten Torch June 17, 2013 at 04:30 pm
Couple of thoughts - One, why hold it in a land where there is going to be this kind of protest?Read More Just move it and don't worry about it. Other, I find it interesting how the Muslims want us to be understanding and inclusive of their beliefs, but don't even think they'll allow anything they don't agree with. Just a tad bit hypocritical...
R June 14, 2013 at 02:06 am
You mean the FEES don't you? Cause they aint taxes don't you know...
Bonnie June 14, 2013 at 11:50 am
I call it a "rainbow!"
M.K. Osborne June 14, 2013 at 03:30 pm
Fees is when its lightning too .
Mr. B June 13, 2013 at 01:29 pm
They're not Americans. They don't deserve to step foot on American soil.
Good Grief Y'all June 13, 2013 at 01:34 pm
Meh, a difference without distinction.
Good Grief Y'all June 13, 2013 at 01:37 pm
Huh, you learn something once in a while on Patch blog threads. I didn't know you must be anRead More American citizen to be tried and convicted of crimes against America . . . ;p I think John and Sarah could handle them . . . you betcha! They would probably beg to be sent back to Gitmo. LOL
EMILY GOLDSTEIN June 7, 2013 at 10:35 am
We don't know yet..it was not me who found her. They had Gwinnett pick her up after staying withherRead More for a few hours..we will know after they process her there. I have contacted golden retriever rescues to let them know so they can see if they have lost ads ..or if need be rescue her
EMILY GOLDSTEIN June 8, 2013 at 02:24 am
She is so sad and missing her owner ANIMAL ID#32243 I am in PEN 114, FEMALE, GOLDEN RETRIEVER. TheRead More shelter thinks I am 3 YEARS OLD. I will be available for adoption starting 6/12/13. FOUND STRAY, LARGE, FRIENDLY Contact the shelter for more info 770-339-3200.
EMILY GOLDSTEIN June 10, 2013 at 03:11 am
Reunited!
Good Grief Y'all June 12, 2013 at 11:43 am
The top marginal tax rate in 1945 was 94%; today it is 35%. This info from one of the slides in theRead More article on various tax charts, including corporate. "A look at 2010 data reveals that the U.S. is one of the least taxed countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to a study released Monday by Citizens For Tax Justice. The CTJ added up federal, state and local tax revenue. The only countries in the OECD that collected a smaller percentage in taxes are Chile and Mexico, according to the data. The OECD is a group of 34 countries that work together to improve the global economy." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/us-lowest-taxes-most-industralized-countries_n_3039470.html?utm_hp_ref=business&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D295994
Good Grief Y'all June 12, 2013 at 12:30 pm
So, B, are you saying no corporations pay taxes? If that were true, why do they offshoreRead More manufacturing and money to avoid and evade? Some don't pay depending on their structure, many do. US corps don't pay as much as most in developed countries, and they sure won't go along with paying more or seeing their CEOs pay more on individual returns. According to the OECD as mentioned in the link, US corporations pay an e f f e c t i v e rate of 13%. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/us-lowest-taxes-most-industralized-countries_n_3039470.html?utm_hp_ref=business&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D295994
Maria Navarro June 13, 2013 at 04:36 pm
Most of the government organizations cannot be trusted, as they have been filled with mostly crooksRead More (not all, but a good majority who use their power to fill their pockets)therefore, I think the IRS should be abolished. We need to go to a FAIR TAX and this way EVERYONE would have to pay their fair share!
Karsten Torch June 6, 2013 at 02:02 pm
My wife has this lovely thing she does where she gasps for no apparent reason, or tells me to lookRead More out or something, always for something obvious. And I wind up looking for something else. Drives me nuts. Good thing, after 22 years, she does it much much less now.
Karsten Torch June 6, 2013 at 02:06 pm
One of my favorites: A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, herRead More husband burst into the kitchen. “Careful,” he said, “CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD! You’re cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my GOD! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They’re going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you’re cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!” The wife stared at him. “What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don’t know how to fry a couple of eggs?” The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m driving.”
Robbi McCaig June 6, 2013 at 04:15 pm
Remember, when you critisize your wife's choices---you were one of them.