Ohio: Illegal immigrants were permitted to register vehicles

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Investigate Delay In Enforcing Law

Thouands of illegal immigrants were permitted to register vehicles in Ohio because of a moratorium on enforcement of the law that was ordered by former state Public Safety Director Henry Guzman. That is established fact, according to published reports. The question now is why Guzman, who left his position just a few days ago, took the action.

Guzman became aware of a loophole in the law that allowed illegal immigrants, sometimes using U.S. citizens as paid "runners," to obtain vehicle licenses. He ordered changes in the rules to close the loophole last summer. But on July 31, 2008, Guzman ordered a moratorium on the changes.

The delay lasted more than a year. Though the loophole has been closed now, Guzman's action allowed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of illegal immigrants to use it.

Guzman resigned from his office a few weeks ago, giving no reason.

Some state legislators want an investigation of the affair. They are correct in pursuing one. There are many reasons to ask why Guzman, aware of what amounted to illegal activity, prevented the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles from cracking down on it. Ohioans deserve to know why he did that.