Legislative Update

California Governor Gray Davis is set to sign Senate Bill 60, which would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a drivers license. The bill, sponsored by State Senator Gil Cedillo, has been approved by the legislature for three consecutive years. Davis has rejected the bill on previous occasions for what he called “security reasons,” but advocates such as the Service Employees International Union expect the bill to be made law this time around. Davis is currently facing a recall election, and political analysts say the Governor will sign the bill because he cannot afford to alienate the Hispanic community.

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The following bills were recently introduced in Congress:

S.1510, A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide a mechanism for United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their permanent partners for residence in the United States, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] (introduced 7/31/2003). Latest Major Action: 7/31/2003 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

To see what immigration-related legislation is pending in Congress, visit our legislative chart at www.visalaw.com/advocacy.html.