Another knee-jerk reaction

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texas Department of Public Safety has decided that, as of October 1, 2008, an applicant for a Texas driver's license must show they are in the United States legally before they can obtain or renew their license.  Gov. Rick Perry applauded the new directive:

"Texas is a great place to live and work, and while we welcome legally documented individuals to the Lone Star State, we must ensure that this privilege is not abused by those seeking to enter our country illegally."

However, Jim Harrington of the Texas Civil Rights Project, pointed out the obvious flaw:

"People have to drive to get to work.  You want people to get (auto) insurance.  They can't get insurance if they don't have a driver's license."

Requiring proof of citizenship is not going to discourage people entering the United States illegally, it will just increase the number of drivers on Texas highways without driver's licenses and insurance.