Illegal immigrants could be getting driver licenses in Ill. - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Illegal immigrants could be getting driver licenses in Ill.

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  • Heartland News

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:15 AM EDT2013-05-22 05:15:54 GMT
    Cooks’ BBQ and Catering in Jackson went up in flames Tuesday night.Jackson Fire Chief Jason Mouser tells Heartland News the building is a total loss, but they were able to stop the fire from spreading to the shed just a mere feet away.He said the fire appears to have started in the stove area of the restaurant.Copyright 2013KFVS. All rights reserved.
    Cooks’ BBQ and Catering in Jackson went up in flames Tuesday night.Jackson Fire Chief Jason Mouser tells Heartland News the building is a total loss, but they were able to stop the fire from spreading to the shed just a mere feet away.He said the fire appears to have started in the stove area of the restaurant.Copyright 2013KFVS. All rights reserved.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:51:55 GMT
    Mark Hasheider, the Emergency Management Coordinator with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department said disasters like Oklahoma make them double check they’re on track with their plan."We were watching the live video, you know our firefighters are talking about the what ifs, what we could do, where our problems are at," said Hasheider.You’ve probably driven by it before, Cape Girardeau Fire Station Number 3. But did you know if there was a disaster in Cape, it would be the emergency headquarters?"A...
    Mark Hasheider, the Emergency Management Coordinator with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department said disasters like Oklahoma make them double check they’re on track with their plan."We were watching the live video, you know our firefighters are talking about the what ifs, what we could do, where our problems are at," said Hasheider.You’ve probably driven by it before, Cape Girardeau Fire Station Number 3. But did you know if there was a disaster in Cape, it would be the emergency headquarters?"A...
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:47 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:47:58 GMT
    Firefighters are on the scene of a fire in Jackson, Mo. Tuesday night.A fire broke out at 1931 West Jackson Boulevard. At this point authorities say it's not clear what type of building is on fire or if anyone has been hurt.Stay with Heartland News online and on-air while we bring you more information on this developing story.Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.
    Firefighters are on the scene of a fire in Jackson, Mo. Tuesday night.A fire broke out at 1931 West Jackson Boulevard. At this point authorities say it's not clear what type of building is on fire or if anyone has been hurt.Stay with Heartland News online and on-air while we bring you more information on this developing story.Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.
CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS) -

An Illinois legislator and the Mayor of Chicago want to give illegal immigrants a special driver's license.

Senate President John Cullerton and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel teamed up on Tuesday to announce their proposal to create a measure to put illegal immigrants behind the wheel legally.

Currently there is an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants driving on roads in Illinois.

And if they're given a driver's license they would have to get insurance, and pass the vision, written and road tests.

"Well it's going to stimulate the economy by bringing in new business," said Marcy Simon owner and agent at MJ Simon Insurance in Carterville. "And by bringing in more people that have to come in and purchase this insurance it's going to be better for insurance companies by us insuring more drivers."

But, there are mixed feeling among drivers about this proposal.

"I think they should be able to have a driver's license, if they're going to get insurance," said Sasha Del Castillo of Carbondale. "To protect us and to protect them too."

"I don't agree because they really haven't earned the right to drive here," said William Jett of Carterville. "They don't pay taxes, or they work under the table. And they haven't earned social security or anything. And they're illegal."

No legislation has been written as of yet on this proposal. And it will not be something undocumented immigrants will be able to participate in.

At this time much of the talk is focusing in on expanding a current program ran under the Illinois Secretary of State's office. That program allows for foreign visitors who are here legally to get a temporary driver's license.

Former Governor Jim Edgar is lending his support for legislation to allow illegal immigrants who have proof or residency or a passport, to be able to get a driver's license.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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