Open Question: Is there anything wrong with English-Only Drivers License Bill Close to Passing?
ATLANTA — Getting a drivers license in Georgia can be an unpleasant experience, but it’s even more difficult for many immigrants. That’s why the Georgia Department of Driver Services now offers tests in a dozen languages. But the State Legislature is about to change that, requiring all tests to be taken in English. The sponsor of SB 67 says it’s simply a matter of public safety on the highways. “There’re some cases where in other parts of the country people have had wrecks and caused deaths and it was caused because they couldn’t read the signs,” says State Senator Jack Murphy of Cumming. But some civil rights groups claim there’s an ulterior motive. “The true intention is to send an unwelcoming message about Georgia towards immigrants,” says Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. Gonzalez calls SB 67 the “KIA Go Home” bill, claiming it could discourage industries like the new Korean KIA automobile plant being built near LaGrange. “It’s essentially sayi
