
LAS VEGAS — In a controversial move that was signed into law by Hispanic Gov. Brian Sandoval, Nevada immigrants – those not in the county legally – are now able to obtain driver authorization cards.
There is a high population of Nevada immigrants and the DMV has been flooded with thousands of people filing into the DMV office to obtain their driver authorization cards.
Many of the laws favoring immigrants have US citizens living in Nevada angry at what they perceive is the preferential treatment for people that are not even legally authorized to be in the United States.
Marla Q., a single mother of two who is Hispanic, is a US citizen born in Nevada and she says she is struggling.
Marla lost her job nearly two years ago and her unemployment benefits have run out. She says she can barely make ends meet.
Her children attend a public high school in the Las Vegas Valley and both want to attend college next year. She says she cannot afford it and is looking at obtaining student loans for her children. Although her children have passing grades, she says they are not in the top of their class and it is doubtful that they will receive any type of scholarship.
She says she is upset that the children of immigrants are allowed to attend college and receive a substantial tax subsidy and that she does not receive the same treatment for her family.
Her sentiments appear to echo that of many others.
Those in the the United States illegally can now drive, obtain bank accounts, and in certain circumstances find employment in Nevada.
In California, an undocumented immigrant was even allowed to obtain a law degree.
While many in Nevada are suffering from the effects of the economy with high unemployment and little to no public assistance, Nevada immigrants are receiving a multitude of benefits including education and healthcare.
For some like Marla it seems that that the American dream that that she has for her children is quickly eroding.