IMMIGRANT LICENSE PROGRAM GETS GOP BOOST

The Republican-controlled state Senate on Friday passed legislation that seeks to ease the application logjam for Colorado’s driver’s license program for people living in the U.S. illegally.

The 25-10 vote represents a major shift in the GOP’s stance toward the program, which has been troubled since it got its start in 2013.

Senate Bill 108’s biggest change would allow existing license holders to reapply online or by mail instead of through in-person appointments.

The bill also would allow applicants to use a Social Security number as part of their application.

Demand for the licenses has far outpaced the availability of the appointments, creating avenues for criminals to take advantage of applicants.

Sen. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, says that’s why he voted for the legislation — to prevent those future abuses. “That’s about the only reason I voted for it,” Lambert said.

The driver’s license program is also available to immigrants who are legal U.S. residents, another fact that drew Senate Republicans’ support for the measure. — Jesse Paul,