Recent immigration stories

Last year legislators drew national attention by making Georgia a less hospitable place for illegal immigrants to live. Now they might try to make the state a less inviting place for them to drive, too.

Several lawmakers want to increase fines for motorists who drive without a license, use fake documents to obtain a license or secure license plates through fraudulent means. Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), who has proposed making driving without a license a felony on the third offense, said while he's not specifically targeting illegal immigrants, they would be most affected.

"I'm informed by law enforcement that the majority of the people who are charged with this are in the United States illegally," he said.

More difficult will be preventing those motorists from driving Georgia roads undetected in the first place. In many counties, people claiming to be newcomers to Georgia now can obtain a tag if they furnish out-of-state or foreign driver's licenses. They're supposed to apply for a Georgia license within 30 days, but many don't.

Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), who plans to introduce legislation that would tighten tag restrictions, said the trick will be closing the loophole without placing undue burden on all Georgia drivers.

Driving won't be the only privilege in the Legislature's cross hairs when it comes to illegal immigration, however. One bill pre-filed last month would try to eliminate tax exemptions on property owned by illegal immigrants, though the measure was vague on how that would be accomplished. Another proposal would make Georgia less accommodating of immigrants -- both legal and illegal -- who struggle with English. It would prohibit state and local governments from issuing official forms such as driver's exams in languages other than English.

-- Brian Feagans