Crackdown in Virginia: Employment Authorization Cards no longer valid as proof of residence

By Ted Reyes, FilipinoExpress.com
posted February 22, 2011

NEW YORK– In the absence of a federal solution to the pressing illegal immigration problem, more and more states have taken the lead in confronting the issue on their own.

Now, Virginia has joined the club.

In an effort to curb the flow illegal immigrants in the state, governor Bob McDonnell announced that work permits known as Employment Authorization Cards would no longer be accepted as proof of legal residence because they could be legally held by people who are in deportation proceedings.

This would make it very difficult for immigrants who don't have green cards yet, but have these temporary work permits to obtain important documents like social security numbers and especially drivers licenses.

Employment Authorization Cards or EADs are issued by Homeland Security for immigrants applying for green cards. These cards, are legal documents that would allow its holders to work in the United Stated while they wait for their green cards to b approved. Typically, EADs are valid for a year and are renewed by their holders until a decision on their green cards is rendered. When their application for a green card is denied, the EADs are automatically terminated.

In many states like New York, EADs are valid proofs of residence and can be used to get a driver's license or open a bank account. This is no longer possible in Virginia.

The new rule in Virginia is said to be a direct result of an incident were an illegal immigrant from Bolivia was charged with hitting and killing a nun while driving drunk in Prince William County.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union in Virginia, the estimated number immigrants who are stranded in this change could be in the thousands.

"This is not right," said Louis San Juan of Falls Church. "I am a legal immigrant who is abiding by the law and waiting in line for my green card. Now, I can't drive? This is unconstitutional."

source: www.filipinoexpress.com