Illegal Immigrants in DC Can Obtain Drivers Licenses

[EC]

Via Townhall: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2013/00/18/illegal-immigrants-in-dc-can-now-get-drivers-licenses-n1748958

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray signed a bill today that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license. Beginning next May, people who do not live in the District of Columbia legally will be able to get a license to operate an automobile.

From the Associated Press:

    The bill would create a two-tiered system of licenses in order to comply with federal law. The licenses for immigrants who can’t prove their legal status would be marked as invalid for federal purposes.

This all just seems a little absurd. Since when is it okay to legitimize breaking immigration laws? I understand that it is likely people will "drive anyway," but this just seems nuts. The District of Columbia has an extensive metro system that allows everyone, regardless of immigration status. While there is supposedly a two-tiered system of licenses, all it takes is an computer error to print out the wrong license for an illegal immigrant--who could then use it to vote, among other things. This is a bad policy. Immigration laws need to be enforced, and driver's licenses should be limited to those who are here legally.

Well worth visiting link for the comments.

[rangerrebew]

Is the government going to pay for the licenses?  If they claim they don't have enough money, will the administration spring for the tab?