Omit ‘Scarlet Letter’ on Driver’s Licenses

Re “Driver’s License Plan for Illegal Workers Criticized,” April 9: Why have a “scarlet letter” driver’s license only for applicants who have admitted that they are here illegally? Why not reverse the procedure and let anyone get a license, adding the special mark only if the holder has produced proof of U.S. citizenship?

Nobody would be forced to prove citizenship, and absence of the citizenship mark would not prove that the holder was an illegal immigrant. If the goal is to make the roads safer, rather than to encourage or oppose illegal immigration, this is a no-brainer.

Keith Jarett

Lafayette, Calif.

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As Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft is trying to round up illegals and is asking for state and local police enforcement help, our Gov. Gray Davis is now trying to help illegals get driver’s licenses! Something is seriously wrong with this. If, as Sheriff Lee Baca states, illegals are driving in California without licenses or insurance, then why aren’t our police arresting and deporting these illegals?

How can Baca say illegals who are noncriminals should be able to get a license? This is an oxymoron if ever there was one. California is part of the United States, and all laws federal, state and local must be upheld; illegal entry into this country is a crime.

Sally Tremal

Glendora