Currently Utah is one of 10 states that do not require a Social Security number in order to obtain a driver’s license, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. In its place, an “individual tax identification number” issued by the Internal Revenue Service is accepted. SB 227 would require an applicant to prove he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident, or else be left to apply for the so-called privilege card.

This new card will use “a format, color, font, or other means to clearly distinguish the driving privilege card from driver licenses.” The phrase “For Driving Privilege Only—Not Valid for Identification,” is to be clearly displayed on the card. Protesters pointed out that this means anyone who sees the card will immediately know the resident status of the individual, including the police and prospective employers.

SB 227 is one among several bills being discussed in the state senate and state house of representatives aimed at restricting access to driver’s licenses.

The Utah bill is part of a national trend towards increasing the role of the driver’s license as a form of identification. These moves coincide with an ongoing discussion—under the banner of improving “homeland security”—among politicians in both the Republican and Democratic parties to institute a national identification card and database to boost the powers of the police, employers, and others to access and use private information about individuals.

The rally was called the day after a meeting at the Centro Cívico Mexicano. The February 17 meeting was attended by more than 800 people, many coming from work after hearing the call on the local Spanish-language radio. The meeting reflected the anger and sentiments of the many who will be directly affected by the bill. Many asked why groups like the Utah Hispanic Legislative Task Force, which speak in the name of the Latino community, are supporting a bill that will hurt a large number of Latinos in the state of Utah.

This meeting followed one called a day earlier, where Marco Diaz, a representative of the Utah Hispanic Legislative Task Force, tried to explain the group’s support for the bill. His comments provoked such strong opposition from those at the meeting that he couldn’t go on, and left the room.

The rally at the state capitol was called to coincide with the Senate vote on SB 227. The bill passed the Senate by an 18-8 vote and will now proceed to the state house of representatives.  
 
 
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