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Eugene

(61,894 posts)
Thu Mar 21, 2013, 09:21 PM Mar 2013

North Carolina drops "scarlet letter" driver's license for immigrants

Source: Reuters

North Carolina drops "scarlet letter" driver's license for immigrants

By Colleen Jenkins
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina | Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:47pm EDT

(Reuters) - North Carolina on Thursday revealed a new look for driver's licenses it will issue to some young undocumented immigrants starting next week, after criticism that the previous design amounted to a "scarlet letter" that could invite discrimination.

Immigrants and their advocates had complained about the first design, which featured a pink stripe at the top of the licenses and the words "No Lawful Status" and "Limited Term" in red.

The altered licenses have the same color scheme as standard licenses, which use a blue bar.

However, the licenses for the young immigrants will include the phrases "Limited Term" and "Legal Presence/No Lawful Status" in red.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/22/us-usa-immigration-licenses-idUSBRE92L01820130322
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North Carolina drops "scarlet letter" driver's license for immigrants (Original Post) Eugene Mar 2013 OP
What benefit to society is this that outweighs giving them a regular license? upaloopa Mar 2013 #1
All NC needs to do with undocumented NC citizens is what they do with my license. mwooldri Mar 2013 #2
How nasty people can be treestar Mar 2013 #3

mwooldri

(10,303 posts)
2. All NC needs to do with undocumented NC citizens is what they do with my license.
Thu Mar 21, 2013, 09:37 PM
Mar 2013

On the front it gives codes for "Restrictions". I have two - one is "Corrective Lenses Required" (I wear contact lenses, got that covered), and the other is Permanent Resident Card Expires 12/06/2016 - or words to that effect. Just put the restriction on the back - Legal Status Not Known - in the same place mine is. On the back, in small black type.

Those who need to know a persons' legal status and have the drivers license and who knows where to look on that license would see it right there on the back. Those who need to know a persons' age for buying cigarettes or alcohol don't need to look at this.

I guess it is the same people who came up with the bright idea of framing the picture of the person in a particular colour. Red framed licenses are for under 18s, yellow for under 21s, and green for 21 and up. This makes it easier for those selling alcohol and tobacco products but it isn't absolutely necessary.

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