Auto registration checks scaring immigrants

[The Straight Story]

Auto registration checks scaring immigrants

News that the state will cancel the car registrations of possibly thousands of undocumented immigrants has caused panic and created rumors among those living in central Ohio.

Before Aug. 24, a loophole in the state Bureau of Motor Vehicle's policy allowed illegal immigrants to register cars in their names by using a power-of-attorney form, even if they didn't have a driver's license.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety closed the loophole after delaying a crackdown on possibly fraudulent registrations for more than a year.

After The Dispatch reported on the delay, the bureau sent letters at the beginning of October to more than 47,000 people statewide whose vehicle registrations didn't list a Social Security number or Ohio driver's license or ID number. The state gave them until Dec. 9 to prove residency at a local BMV and pay $3.50 or have their registration canceled.

The change in policy was not aimed at a particular population, said BMV spokeswoman Lindsay Komlanc. "We have a responsibility to confirm that every document we use is verifiable."

http://fwix.com/share/20_2e510153e7

[NJGeek]

1. i don't see the problem with this

at some point we have to observe the rule of law, and protect legal immigrants and citizens alike.

[NYC_SKP]

3. +1

I pay substantial fees for auto insurance and registration, transportation taxes, and etc.

I always have, even as a teenager without any family support.

I expect everyone else to do the same.

[napi21]

2. Oh well. Break the law and one way or another you get caught.

I have no sympathy for them.

[obliviously]

4. Why don't they just go to immigration

and get these documents they seem to have misplaced or forgotten to get!

[Hangingon]

5. Break the law and you should be scared.