Oregon Senate Passes Immigrant Driver’s License Bill

The Oregon Senate has approved a proposal to grant short-term driver’s licenses to people living in the country illegally.

The Senate approved the bill in a 20 to 7 vote on Tuesday. It now goes to the House.

The bill would allow immigrants, among others, who have lived in Oregon for at least a year and meet other requirements, to apply for driver’s licenses without proving legal presence.

The bill sparked controversy at a lengthy public hearing held earlier this month. Lawmakers heard from opponents who said the proposal would attract criminals to Oregon. Supporters of the licensing program said it would make Oregon’s roads safer because there would be more trained and insured drivers.