‘After the Word Illegal, Nothing Else Matters,’ Says Critic of Oklahoma Bill to Give Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses

Illegal immigrants might soon be eligible for an Oklahoma driver’s licence. The governor and many supporters of SB669 include Gov. Kevin Stitt says it would reduce certain kinds of crime, raise $2.5million in state revenue, reduce auto insurance premiums, and increase the number of people who can afford it.

The law’s opponents claim it is a step towards granting illegals the right of vote.

“Giving Illegal aliens a driver’s license is beyond absurd,” The Epoch Times spoke with Don Spencer, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association.

SB 669 was voted out by the committee and is now available for consideration by the Oklahoma Senate. Authored by Michael Brooks-Jimenez (Democratic State Senator from Oklahoma City), the bill changes Oklahoma state law to permit illegal immigrants to get a driver’s licence.

Brooks-Jimenez declined to comment on the bill.

Spencer uploaded a YouTube video of Brooks answering questions at a meeting of his Aeronautics and Transportation Committee. Republican State Senator Joe Newhouse questioned Brooks-Jimenez about whether the bill would allow an illegal immigrant driver’s license.

“If they’re paying their fair share, if they’re paying their taxes arm-in-arm with the rest of us, then they should have that opportunity,” Brooks-Jimenez replied.

Spencer confirmed that a March 16, 2023, letter acquired by The Epoch Times came from the governor’s office.

Stitt supports HB2114, which is the companion bill to SB669 in Oklahoma House of Representatives. It also lists possible benefits and safeguards within the law.

The letter mentions that there will be an increase in revenue and lower premiums for insurance. It also states that illegal immigrants cannot vote and that all applicants must comply with state laws before they are granted a license.

The letter claims that 16 states and District of Columbia permit non-citizens drivers. The letter mentions Florida, Utah and Virginia as states that permit illegal immigrants to drive.

According to The National Conference of State Legislatures (19 states and the District of Columbia) allowed non-citizens legal driving as of March 13, 2023.

Florida and Maine weren’t on the list of 19, but Utah and Virginia were.

In addition, the letter claims that bills require election board personnel to communicate directly with tax offices in order to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving licenses.

Stitt’s Office did not respond by press time to any emails or phone calls.

Spencer stated that he was not convinced by the assurances in the letter.

“We expect one bureaucracy to communicate with another bureaucracy?” Spencer asked.

Spencer says the key issue is Brooks’-Jimenez’s usage of the term. “fair share.” He claimed that the problem was not in tax revenue, but rather a violation the law.

“After the word ‘illegal,’ nothing else matters,” Spencer stated.

Brooks-Jimenez, along with other attorneys, said that while the law might not allow illegal immigrants to vote now, once they have established that at most some of them pay taxes, Brooks and others will push for the vote.

Spencer also stated that he is concerned about the ethics of an immigrant attorney sponsoring a bill that directly affects his clients.

“I have to give [Brooks-Jimenez] credit. Look what he’s pulling off, he’s pulling off a Joe Biden special right here in Oklahoma,” Spencer stated.