Immigrants, backers rally for driver's licenses in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Immigrants and their supporters converged Wednesday on the Wisconsin Capitol to rally for Gov. Tony Evers' proposal that would make driver's licenses available to people who are living in the country illegally.

Many at the rally carried signs that read "Driver's Licenses for All" and called on Republican legislative leaders to reach a compromise with Evers and pass his proposal. The event, part of the annual nationwide May 1 day of action, attracted 3,000 to the Capitol, based on an estimate from Madison police.

If approved, Wisconsin would join 12 other states that currently provide driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

"We are standing and marching today with our families, friends, co-workers and people we don't even know to demand driver's licenses for people in Wisconsin and across this country," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, director of the rally's organizer, Voces de la Frontera.

The immigrants' rights group said tens of thousands of people were on strike Wednesday, and more than 175 Wisconsin businesses closed, as part of the effort to show the economic impact Latinos have both in the state and across the country.

Neumann-Ortiz and others who spoke in support, including the mayor and police chief of Madison, said it was an economic and social justice issue, and about keeping roads safe.

"I want driver's licenses for all!" said Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said on the steps of the Capitol as the thousands listening cheered. "So I hope the Legislature is listening. We want a hearing."

Republican legislative leaders did not return messages seeking comment Wednesday. But they have not been supportive of the idea in the past.

Evers said Tuesday his proposal to make the licenses available is common sense, but he...