Local Hispanics Say BMV Letters Discriminate Against Them

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COLUMBUS, Ohio—Members of Central Ohio’s Hispanic community say they are the victim of racial profiling by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The BMV sent out 47,457 letters last week to vehicle owners that do no have Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers or state identification numbers attached to their vehicle registrations.

Owners receiving the letter were told they have 60 days to produce identification or their registration will be canceled. The letter follows a change in policy that closed a legal loophole allowing undocumented immigrants without insurance or a drivers license to register a vehicle using the power of attorney process. 

Stripped of their valid vehicle registration, undocumented workers could be pulled over, arrested and deported back to their home country if caught driving unregistered vehicles.

“This is nothing else but racial profiling,“ said a Columbus resident who received one of the letters this week and wished to remain anonymous. The man stated he is an American citizen and an Ohio resident for 26 years. “Nobody else got a letter, only the Spanish people.“

BMV spokesperson Lindsay Komlanc said the BMV did not look at drivers’ last names or use racial profiling in sending the letters. Komlanc said the BMV is not assuming that those receiving letters acted fraudulently, but she acknowledges the BMV is being aggressive in enforcing the law.

“The only way the scan was run was by people who did not have a social security number, drivers license number, or identification card number,“ Komlanc said. “At the end of the 60 days, anyone who has not provided the additional documentation will have their vehicle registration canceled.“

Ohio Hispanic Coalition president Joseph Mas said he and other attorneys are reviewing legal options, including the possibility of challenging the constitutionality of the BMVs actions.

“Why not wait until those vehicles come up for renewal, renewal of the plates, and then on a gradual basis begin to address that,“ Mas said. “And, of course, if we’re lucky it’s possible that the federal
government by that time would have already advanced immigration reform.“

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Reader Reactions

Flag Comment Posted by Paul Jay Collin on February 17, 2010 at 12:48 am

Well they do raise an interesting point and I think the DMV staff should be looked into more carefully and see if they had an agenda to target the Hispanic population.

In these tough economic times I think it is pretty hard to come down on people like that, I mean can they do something more useful with their time, give them a break man!!
———————————
Paul C
Provillus

Flag Comment Posted by marlena21 on October 31, 2009 at 5:15 pm

My great grandparents, my grandparents and my parents all understood what hard work was, if it takes getting down on your hands and knees scrubbing floors, washing bathrooms, walls, floors, garbage cans, whatever it takes to earn money that is what you do.  NO JOB IS BENEATH ME!!!!!!  There are jobs I have specific skills for but if those types of jobs are not open so I can apply for them, then I’ll clean, do laundry, whatever it takes to bring home money for bills, etc..  I used to clean toilets, wash basins, mop floors and clean in hospitals. Then I found opportunity to better myself within the company I worked for.
—————-
buy ativan

Flag Comment Posted by mythoughts on October 29, 2009 at 10:23 am

i think the latinos need to sue the bmv for the racestness becasue they arent doing anything to the other illigal just the latinos are they doin thhis to.

Flag Comment Posted by mythoughts on October 29, 2009 at 10:20 am

also just think if u are going to take there cars away from they how do u think they are going to get to work or how will this country will be built? and all car companys will barly have buisness think about it. stop thing of your selfs dont geting mad at them because they save what little money they do get and get them something nice,

Flag Comment Posted by mythoughts on October 29, 2009 at 10:11 am

ok i think it is very wrong how us americans try and take this country form them and kick them out when they had it first you wouldnt like it if they said get out to us and there was nothing u could do about it. why is it that just because they are a different color and from a different country that they cant do anything in here HELLO they are not the ones that we are going to war with they arent any problems. and maybe they would be able to work regular wage if it was easier for them to get there papers and have to do it for regular wage.its sad and u know that if u had a chance on the other side of a wall u knew that u could get food, and a better life,and money for u and ur kids and ur family that u would do it this is suposed to be a freedom country prove it. they arent any different than us. one day there was a day tht everyone set and it was a couple of years ago it was called “one day without illigal immigrant” we filled up almost all the parking lots on that street, we were on the news n the paper all over. it was great we stayed there for as long as we could just shouting “ the nation united will never be divided” and i wsh they could do it again. the americans thought oh well he mexican dont have to work why should we so they took a day off too. how lazy any other time they dont want anything to do with them but when its comes up its for them to be able to sit on there bottoms they sure did. if it were easier for them to get there papers to be legal they would have to pay just like everyone else for there crashes they make or the bad things they do. now which would u do, jump a wall or go throught a whole bunch of issues with the law and and working probly about a whole years maybey more to earn up money to get the visa or what ever knowing there money there is differnt and alot harder to get. and then come here tell me what yall say. jump wall or hastle. the truth now.

Flag Comment Posted by Brittanicus on October 27, 2009 at 3:57 pm

As I perceive it the hardest place to install E-Verify, 287 G, or even directing ICE to raid employers is Sanctuary Cities and even States? CALIFORNIA seems to be the epitome of Sanctuary States, but it is estimated to be 127 cities and towns that ignore the US government. San Francisco and Los Angeles stands out as being Sanctuary cities where it’s mayors Galvin Newsom and Antonio R. Villaraigosa, along with an compliment of police departments who have cultivated over the years a refuge for the impoverished illegal immigrants, illegal criminal of other countries. Very few businesses have enforced E-Verify, because at this time there is no mandatory law, except for federal contractors/subcontractors. Sen. Sessions has at this time been the fortress against illegal immigration through the Bush and now President Obama administrations. He is determined to adjoin E-Verify as a permanent amendment to the Senate Unemployment benefit extension bill H.R.3548 for 14 weeks. In the same amendment Sen. Sessions would require new applicants for unemployment compensation to have their citizenship status verified using E-Verify. The computer software program E-Verify could also be used for identifying applicants for drivers licenses, automotive insurance, all health care benefits, real estate purchases and mortgage and of course ineligible workers. Even the Public option if enacted in health care could be used to verify all positive recipients and over time become a very sophisticated matrix of data bases to reject ineligible applicants for government benefits.

Senate leaders are currently negotiating which amendments will be considered for the bill, and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is trying to prevent a vote on the amendment altogether. E-Verify is becoming a significant potent weapon against illegal immigration in the ongoing battle. It has come under constant legal bombardment by a long list of open border organizations, including the US chamber of Commerce. E-Verify however remains intact, although other enforcement tools such as 287 G, has been weakened by Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano. Without millions of dollars being appropriated, E-Verify on a continuous basis can eradicate illegal labor for pennies. No need for mass deportation as E-Verify will streamline removal of foreign nationals, owing to parasite businesses will be in incessant fear of being fined or sentenced to a prison term if apprehended by ICE for using illegal workers. As with 2010 census? Those who entered without—THE PEOPLE’S—permission, have violated our laws, and should not, must not be allowed to be enumerated in the decennial census? Is Washington so sure that they will pass this 2nd Amnesty, when Ted Kennedy previous comprehensive immigration reform turned into fraudulent travesty? 

Ordinary American workers have become watchdogs for suspicious activity in the working environment.  My blogs, comments and articles are limited in information, but keep this issue under public scrutiny. For more details of malevolent politicians who need to be constantly reminded who they work for?  For immigration enforcement grading NUMBERSUSA.  To light a fire under nonchalant politicians who are selling American workers futures to highest bidder contact WASHINGTON at 202-224-3121 As easily as you voted for these people, you can vote them OUT?  Demand NO—MORE—AMNESTIES. Rebuild a two-tier Southern border fence as originally intended. TELL THEM YOU WANT PERMANENT E-VERIFY FOR EVERY WORKER, WHO’S ON A PAYROLL. STAND WITH SEN. SESSIONS. Study the corruption in every level of government at JUDICIAL WATCH. Read about unstoppable OVERPOPULATION GROWTH at CAPSWEB. Read lists of legislators are trying to push through another path to citizenship—alias AMNESTY at http://tinyurl.com/CIR-letter-to-POTUS. THESE CONGRESSMAN/ WOMEN WANT TO STEAL YOUR JOB AND GIVE IT TO ILLEGAL ALIENS? KEEP THEM EMBOSSED IN YOUR MEMORY AND UNSEAT THEM WHEN THEY COME FORWARD FOR RE-ELECTION.

Flag Comment Posted by patriot on October 24, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Meeting on October 27 at Su Casa Hispanic Center to discuss DMV Warning Letter
Posted by Lorena Mora on October 23rd, 2009
News » Cincinnati » Meeting on October 27 at Su Casa Hispanic Center to discuss DMV Warnin…
At our Immigration Reform Advocacy (IAM) meeting this past Tuesday we discussed our options on the DMV letter that demanded that those who did not put a social security number on the registration had 60 days (December 8) to come into a local DMV to essentially prove their status to retain their registration of their vehicles.
This is creating havoc in the immigrant communities in the state (47,000) have received this warning letter. Jorge Martinez called Mr. Mas at the Hispanic Coalition and they and other groups are working with a former state attorney general on filing a suit/injunction against the state of ohio and division of transportation.
They will need money to proceed. We are having another meeting at Su Casa on Tuesday October 27 at 6pm to discuss this issue. What can we do-phone calls, financial and organizational support for this possible law suit, press conference, demonstration.  Please come with ideas.

Don Sherman, Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center

LAWSUIT?? because our law requires proper ID and they do not have it??

Flag Comment Posted by uscitizen1 on October 23, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Please keep in mind that for many of you, it is that time of the year for healthcare enrollment with your wonderful company provided healthcare provider. Please notice that the co-pays are much higher this year and deductibles are through the roof too.
Next time you have the oppertunity to take your ill child to the ER, please notice the sign posted that advises that those that are under insured and without insurance are provided reduced and free healthcare, as the registration person asks you for your co-pay and health insurance card.
  Don’t speak English? No problem! An interpreter will be provided at no cost to those who need it. It’s only about $70.00 (US dollars ) an hour for that service.
So, when that illegal immigrant without car insurance hits you and your children while going to soccer practice, please take comfort that he or she and their family will be taken care of for free at the nearest hospital while you and your family loose your house because you can’t pay your medical bills and your car insurance premimums increase as as result of this uninsured motorist claim you make.
I’m glad to see that the BMV is taking swift action to fix this problem and not waiting until registrations expire. I just wish Obama would do the same with healthcare.

Flag Comment Posted by really?? on October 23, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Dollysmom, Actually it is my opinion that the indicated urgency of the matter (30 days or else) is what makes it questionable. An alteration in vehicle registration rarely to never activates immediately, rather it applies to once registration or licence is renewed. It seems pretty obvious this is an attempt to wrangle in those who found a legal loophole at one point in time and extradite them asap. As for your argument that the illegals should get out, it is circular. You are working from the premise that the law is correct, which is circular reasoning. The other obvious scenerio is that they should stay and the law should change to allow them to be legal.

Flag Comment Posted by Dollysmom on October 23, 2009 at 5:01 pm

You’re really getting off track from the point of the story.  If the majority of the people receiving these letters are Latino, that does not mean they are being discriminated against:  that means that the majority of the people who do not fill the required criteriaare Latino.  As simple as that.  If they are here illegally, then they need to leave.  If they are here legally, then they should be able to provide the required documentation.  Case closed.

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