>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Need to renew or apply for an Oregon driver’s license? Be aware that the rules have changed, thanks to an executive order and action by the Oregon Legislature during its special session.

Although the Oregon changes are intended to primarily bring Oregon in line with other states as a way to help stem the tide of undocumented workers, the changes will impact all of us.

On Feb. 15, Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed into law Senate Bill 1080, which requires a Social Security number, U.S. passport, birth certificate or visa in order to prove that applicants are legal residents. The law builds on an executive order that went into effect Feb. 4 requiring a Social Security number, proof of identity and an Oregon address.

Up until Feb. 4, Oregon was one of only seven states that did not require proof of residence in order to get a license. Oregon’s previous policy was an open invitation to anyone who wanted to claim residence in Oregon — legal resident or not.

Strengthening the requirements for a driver’s license was long overdue. Oregon needs to have similar requirements as other states. Requiring proof of legal residence is not too much to ask.

There is no doubt, though, that Oregon’s agriculture industry depends heavily on the labor of immigrant workers. They are the people willing to do much of the work the rest of us are not inclined to want to do. Our economy depends on these people. But there is no reason that we shouldn’t expect that these people be legal residents.

Oregon has taken the appropriate steps to help ensure that people who are driving on our roads and highways are legal residents. Such a move makes sense. All drivers should be following the same requirements. The same laws.

SB 1080 creates rules that apply to all of us who are citizens or legal residents. And that’s the way it should be.

Just be sure to take the appropriate documentation the next time you visit the DMV.