Licenses for children of illegal aliens

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles which is currently in the process of implementing the new, federally recognized, verified driver's license program along with continuing to issue non-verified licenses, now will be required to issue licenses to the sons and daughters of illegal aliens.

Under the President's order, those under thirty who were brought here illegally by their parents will be able to legally drive on the roads of Connecticut.

"For people who meet those criteria, they can apply for a federal credential and once they've got that they're technically here legally for a temporary period of time, and with that they can go and get a Connecticut driver's license," said Mike Lawlor the Governor's Criminal Justice Advisor.

"We plan on piggy backing on the federal recognition of that status," said Gov. Malloy.

It's expected to affect thousands of young people currently here illegally, allowing them to legally register and insure the vehicles they drive.

"If we are going to recognize them for other purposes under that federal executive order then we should recognize it for this purpose," said Malloy.

The DMV is currently in the process of developing a procedure to handle this but some in the legislature while sympathetic to finding a pathway to citizenship for these young people question the way it's being done.

"I'm a legislator and I'm learning for the first time about this policy change that might take place at the level of the commissioner of motor vehicles. I'm not sure that's the way we should be making policy in the state of Connecticut," said Rep. Larry Cafero a Minority Leader.