Vermont Legislative Panel Ponders Immigrant Licenses

A special Vermont legislative panel has put off issuing its final recommendation, but appears strongly in favor of allowing immigrant farmworkers in the country in violation of federal law to get state drivers' licenses.

The panel of nine, including lawmakers and people representing farm, immigrant and human rights groups, put the finishing touches Thursday to a report that's to be given to lawmakers as they convene next month.

Up for debate has been whether and how to give Vermont drivers' licenses to farm workers who say they're unable to travel without them and feel isolated as a result.

In an eight-to-one straw vote, the committee indicated support for making the farm workers eligible to get drivers' licenses.

The dairy farm workers are mainly from Mexico.

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