Oregon Issues and News

SALEM -- Two state representatives have signed on as sponsors of a referendum challenging a new law that grants driver cards to Oregonians who cannot prove they're here legally.

Rep. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer; Rep. Sal Esquivel, R-Medford; and Richard LaMountain, a Cedar Mill resident active with Oregonians for Immigration Reform, are the three sponsors of the referendum.

The referendum was submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State's office Wednesday under the group name "Protect Oregon Driver Licenses."

Supporters would need to gather 58,142 valid signatures within 90...

Opponents, as expected, have started their effort to force a statewide election on four-year driver’s cards for Oregonians who do not qualify for standard eight-year licenses.

Republican Reps. Sal Esquivel of Medford and Kim Thatcher of Keizer, and Richard LaMountain of Portland, filed the referendum papers with the secretary of state.

They hope to overturn Senate Bill 833, which lawmakers approved and Gov. John Kitzhaber signed on May 1. The bill would allow four-year cards for those who cannot prove legal presence in the United States and do not qualify for licenses,...

With hundreds of cheering onlookers on the steps of the Oregon Capitol, Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a bill into law Wednesday that creates drivers cards for Oregon residents who cannot prove legal residence.

Senate Bill 833 was approved by the Oregon House Tuesday. The signing came at a boisterous May Day rally that brought labor and immigrant groups to the Capitol.

Kitzhaber waved the bill in the air after signing it.

This was the second immigrant related bill to pass this session. Earlier the Legislature approved a bill granting in-state tuition to undocumented...

SALEM — After a three-­minute floor discussion that conveyed none of the often-virulent opposition to the policy, the Oregon Senate on Tuesday approved a bill that would create a new short-term driver’s license, or “driver card,” for illegal immigrants.

Senate Bill 833 passed on a 20-7 vote, with six GOP senators joining 14 Democrats in support. The seven “no” votes came from Republicans but — somewhat unusual for such a high-profile issue — none of them took the floor to explain their opposition. Three lawmakers were excused.

The bill now heads directly to the House floor...