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Tennessee lawmaker drops ‘VISA’ driver’s license label push

In this Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, file photo, people pass the signs telling of the requirement for voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote as they head into the the Penndot Drivers License Center in Butler, Pa. Who gets to vote, and how easily, matters because it can determine who wins elections. The issue is particularly salient for black Americans, who for much of U.S. history were disenfranchised and then effectively barred from voting until passage of the 1965 law. It's also become more partisan with the rapid growth of minorities such as Latino and Asian immigrants, who tilt Democratic.
In this Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, file photo, people pass the signs telling of the requirement for voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote as they head into the the Penndot Drivers License Center in Butler, Pa. Who gets to vote, and how easily, matters because it can determine who wins elections. The issue is particularly salient for black Americans, who for much of U.S. history were disenfranchised and then effectively barred from voting until passage of the 1965 law. It's also become more partisan with the rapid growth of minorities such as Latino and Asian immigrants, who tilt Democratic. In this Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, file photo, people pass the signs telling of the requirement for voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote as they head into the the Penndot Drivers License Center in Butler, Pa. Who gets to vote, and how easily, matters because it can determine who wins elections. The issue is particularly salient for black Americans, who for much of U.S. history were disenfranchised and then effectively barred from voting until passage of the 1965 law. It's also become more partisan with the rapid growth of minorities such as Latino and Asian immigrants, who tilt Democratic.

By Associated Press 1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee lawmaker has dropped a push to require prominent labeling of driver’s licenses held by people without permanent residency status.

In a House subcommittee Wednesday, Rep. John Ragan said his bill will no longer require the word “VISA” on those licenses. Originally, the bill required displaying “ALIEN” or “NON U.S. CITIZEN.”

The Oak Ridge Republican said the state has already reached its contract’s limit of two driver’s license changes. Adding “VISA” would’ve cost $100,000.

Ragan said the amended bill will specify that officials must verify the U.S. citizenship or legal residence of anyone seeking a driver’s license coming from a state that issues licenses to people in the country illegally.

Non-permanent residents who can provide proof of legal presence and pass a driving test can receive temporary Tennessee driver’s licenses.