CHICAGO - Two well-known Illinois Republicans stood alongside Illinois Democrat leaders Monday, when they called for Illinois' immigration policy to loosen restraints currently barring driving privileges to people who have illegally entered American borders.
Former Governor Jim Edgar and State Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka defied the Illinois Republican Party's policy platform on the issue at a press conference Monday hosted by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights.
Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and state Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) also urged lawmakers to consider the measure in Illinois' upcoming veto session.
Expected to be similar to failed 2007 legislation on the same topic, lawmakers may determine this year to limit the illegals' licenses to 3 years, as well as require the applicants to have auto insurance and pass a driver training course. The legislation passed the House in 2007 and was not called in the Senate.
