Pols Seek Immigration Review, Reform

Top-ranking Statehouse Republicans, including State Rep. George Peterson of Grafton, are urging the governor to make an immediate review of the procedures required to obtain drivers’ licenses.

They are also requesting a look at the process in place for businesses to confirm the immigration status of employees.

The request was made in a letter sent yesterday to Gov. Deval Patrick.

The letter was prompted by news reports that Onyango Obama, the president’s uncle, was granted a hardship license to travel between his two jobs, including one at in Grafton.

Immigration officials say Obama is in the country illegally and faces deportation to his native Kenya. He is the half-brother of the president’s father.

Obama was granted the hardship license by the state Registry of Motor Vehicles. He lost his license for a period of time as part of his sentencing last week in Framingham on OUI charges.

The case has “illuminated gaping holes in our state’s procedures for the issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses,’’ the letter reads in part.

Obama holds a valid driver’s license and a legitimate Social Security number, which Peterson described as a “red flag.’’  He has said Obama’s case raises “a lot of questions.’’

Asking the Registry of Motor Vehicles to review the procedures to obtain and renew driver’s licenses will have two benefits, the letter said.

“First, we will readily identify targeted areas of weakness in our standards and requirements for driver’s license distribution,’’ the letter said.

“Secondly, we will ensure that the Commonwealth is granting licenses to individuals who are in full compliance with immigration requirements instituted by the federal government,’’ the letter continues.

Reviewing the measures offered to businesses in determining an employee’s immigration status will “guarantee that employers in the Commonwealth have the resources necessary to protect themselves from violating federal law,’’ the representatives wrote.

These resources now “seem meager at best,’’ the letter reads.

A review of the procedures could lead to reforms where they are needed, the letter said.

In addition to Peterson, the signers of the letter are: Rep. Bradley H. Jones Jr., Minority Leader; Rep. Elizabeth Poirier; Rep. Bradford Hill and Rep. Viriato Manuel deMacedo.