Latinos ask GR for driver's license aid

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids City Commission chambers were packed with nearly 200 people Tuesday with people asking for the City's help in acquiring driver's licenses for young immigrants.

The issue stems from federal policy passed in June allowing younger illegal immigrants to avoid deportation in order to obtain work permits in the US.

But Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has instructed staff not to provide driver's licenses to those illegals because the policy does not officially give them legal status.

While this is clearly a state issue, Grand Rapids organizers are asking for the City's support.

"They can do a lot of work for us," said organizer Luz Calvo. "They can make a resolution, give it to the governor and go from there."

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and other commissioners said they support efforts to get driver's licenses, and will look into ways the City may be able to help.