US

Update: Confessed Illegal Alien Journalist Has License Revoked by Wash. State

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state has canceled the driver’s license of a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who attracted national attention with his disclosure that he is an illegal immigrant.

Department of Licensing spokeswoman Christine Anthony said Thursday that officials opened an investigation after Jose Antonio Vargas’ essay about his background was published in the New York Times Magazine in June.

Illegal Immigrant Journalist Antonio Vargas Has License Revoked by Washington

Vargas wrote in his essay that he emigrated from the Philippines in 1993 when he was 12 years old at the wish of his mother. He moved to California, where his grandparents had arranged forged documents for him. When he was 16, Vargas wrote, he found out that he was in the country illegally after he tried to obtain a driver’s permit with those documents.

He said that he obtained a driver’s license in Washington earlier this year after his Oregon license expired.

“We conducted in an investigation and concluded that he wasn’t residing at the address he provided us,” Anthony said.

The Licensing Department sent Vargas a letter requesting proof of residency, and the letter was returned. The state canceled his license July 18.

In his essay, Vargas wrote about worrying that his Oregon license would expire when he turned 30.

“Early this year, just two weeks before my 30th birthday, I won a small reprieve: I obtained a driver’s license in the state of Washington. The license is valid until 2016. This offered me five more years of acceptable identification – but also five more years of fear, of lying to people I respect and institutions that trusted me, of running away from who I am,” Vargas wrote.

Because Vargas didn’t surrender his license, he will still have a card that he presumably can still use to board an airplane or obtain other services that require ID. But if authorities run a background check, for example if Vargas gets pulled over while driving, it will show that the license is not valid, Anthony said.

The Seattle Times first reported the Licensing Department’s action Thursday.

Vargas was part of the Washington Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for coverage of the Virginia Tech massacre. He had also interned for The San Francisco Chronicle and the Philadelphia Daily News, and most recently was a senior contributing editor at Huffington Post.

His coming out as an illegal immigrant attracted national attention and put a spotlight on what his former employers knew of his legal status. A Washington Post spokesman called Vargas’ actions “wrong.”

But he wrote that he’s tired of hiding his secret and has launched a campaign called Define American to use stories of immigrants like him to urge Congress and the Obama administration to pursue immigration reform. His high school principal and superintendent have signed on as board members.

Vargas did not respond to an email sent by The Associated Press. A spokesman pointed to a blog post on Vargas’ campaign website in which he said he learned Wednesday that his license had been revoked and it was a reminder of the “collective struggle” immigrants like him face.

“It’s not unexpected, given how I laid out in detail how I’ve been able to live, work and survive as an undocumented immigrant in our country,” he said. “Still, it’s a sad feeling. In some ways, my driver’s license has been my life line.”

He continued, “However, I believe it is a small price to pay relative to the big things we’re going to do, together.”

Washington and New Mexico are the two states that don‘t require driver’s license applicants to furnish a Social Security number.

Washington’s Department of Licensing said last week that fewer out-of-state people who didn‘t provide a Social Security number have sought to obtain a driver’s license in the state. The recent data suggest stricter rules Washington implemented in the past year are deterring illegal immigrants from getting licenses.

The new rules no longer allow cellphone or cable bills as proof of residency, but the state still accepts identification from other countries among the documents required in lieu of a Social Security number.

The department’s data show that in the first half of 2011, 5,346 people didn’t provide a Social Security number when obtaining a license. In all of 2010, more than 23,000 did not.

Other data show that the department has canceled 372 licenses due to fraud in 2011. A total of 717 were canceled in 2010.

—

Associated Press writer Mike Baker in Olympia, Wash., contributed to this report.

Comments (101)

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  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:46am

    Where is I.C.E.? Fire Holder! Fire Napalitano! Fire the Incompetent! Fire obama in 2012 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Obama must go if we are to drain Nancy obama’s swamp, and rid DC of Harry Weed.

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Imagine that, an ILLEGAL ALIEN that tells lies.

      Report Post »  
    • Jack2011
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:37pm

      Holder will do nothing.

      Illegals vote for Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • copper
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:11pm

      Don’t you need a social security number to work for a news organization? Twelve years ago I had to show a valid social security card to get a job. How did he get away with working all these jobs without one?

      Report Post »  
    • tnalp
      Posted on July 23, 2011 at 12:41am

      Why is ICE waiting to deport him? Deport him and his family now…….

      Report Post »  
  • CDBrandon82
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:41am

    Here is a little fun fact for you:

    A friend of mine that works at the Social Security office in Washington state tells me that an illegal immigrant can use whatever credit they build with a STOLEN Social Security Number and apply it to their records once they obtain their own.

    I went through the immigration process when I brought my wife here from Germany. It was not that difficult and it cost a couple grand, but I started to ask myself, “why am I going through all of this, when illegals seem to be more rights anyway?”

    We certainly do need immigration reform, just not the kind these people are trying to get…

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:49am

      I only want to see background checks done. I don’t want criminals moving into the US and stealing everything we have. I’ve noticed (here in Texas where there are a lot of illegal Mexicans or others of Hispanic descent) that they don’t follow traffic laws. I don‘t know if it’s because they didn’t drive in their home country, or because they‘re driving illegally and don’t want to get pulled over (that’s for the ones who consistently do 5-10 miles under the speed limit) or just they ignored the big law of immigration and figure the rest of the laws don’t apply to them. I have a sister-in-law from the Netherlands who did everything legally to come here, I don‘t see why they can’t. They don’t want to become US citizens, only suck off the teat of the government. Otherwise they would adapt to our culture, and fly our flag, but they insist on flying their own flag and disrespecting ours.

      Report Post »  
    • CDBrandon82
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:00am

      That is a valid concern Loriann. I have heard complaints from friends in Arizona that if you get into an auto accident with an illegal that there are many insurance issues because obviously they will not have insurance. They end up footing the bill, regardless of whose fault it is, as the illegal is carted off to jail.

      Anyone have any insight as to how true that is? Wanna make sure facts are straight.

      Report Post »  
    • Windwalker
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:15am

      Listen up Washingtonians! I am a resident of this state. Rino Rob McKenna is running for governor and is so pro-illegal alien he reeks of it. Research him and find out how he is on record at responding to an audience participant who questioned him recently on securing our borders. She was called a racist by him in public. Within the last two days I have received correspondence from Dunn another Rino running for Attorney General….pontificating about reducing crime in Washington and not a word in the entire correspondence about addressing illegal immigration. Read the sheriffs blotters in any county in this state. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize just who and what is behind a good majority of arrests. Neither McKenna or Dunn will get a dime from me and as a conservative, I will not vote for either of them. This state is still one of three states that issues drivers licenses to illegal aliens….New Mexico and Utah being the others. The Yakima area in this state has become a little Tijuana. Welcome to “California North”.

      Report Post »  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:51pm

      We lived in Washington State for 6-months in 2010 and getting a drivers license was not that easy. We had to provide multiple identification and residential verification papers along with our past drivers licenses from CO. So- this seems about right. If you look like your American, be prepared to bring your filing cabinet to the DMV. If you look Latino- no worries.

      We also lived in AZ for 7-years before moving to CO. When we first obtained licenses in AZ, it was actually pretty easy- just present your old license from what ever state you were moving from and proof of residency. This was before 9/11 so I am sure it is different now. My sister-n-law is from Australia and came here 10 years ago. She went through the citizenship process the right way. Allowing illegals to bypass our laws is not only dangerous for US, but it undermines those who come here legally. I agree- a lot of Latinos as well as Middle Easterners come here as sponges. They are not interested in assimilating to OUR culture, but actually demand that we assimilate to theirs. I even remember one RV resort park in AZ that was ran by a Mexican couple. When they took over the day-to-day operations at the park, the American flag came down and their Mexican flag went up. This wasn’t a boarder town either. This was Mesa, Az. The US should not have to be arguing its sovereignty. That was established in 1776. Those who think this is debatable in any form, need to get the hell out!

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • Jack2011
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:25pm

      A friend of mine that works at the Social Security office in Washington state tells me that an illegal immigrant can use whatever credit they build with a STOLEN Social Security Number and apply it to their records once they obtain their own.

      ___
      Another fun fact – The IRS will NOT tell you if someone is using YOUR SSN illegally even if you FOIA them. The government wants ALL THE TAX money it can get and if that means letting an illegal alien piggy back off YOUR SSN – so be it.

      Report Post »  
    • Cuthalu
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:42pm

      How about this. I was at the Unemployement office a few years ago in my state, filling out their forms and things so I could get on their system and computers to use it to search for jobs(Not to get any unemployement benefits though!) As I was standing at the counter handing in the form while the worker typed away at his computer to bring up MY SS#, I noticed on the screen clear as day over 10 people listed under my exact SS#. All of the names were of latina origin and all located in northern Illinios. I knew what it was about but I asked the worker anyways why there were there all those people right on his screen being attached to my SS#, that I was under the impression that it is one SS# that is unique to each person.

      His response? He turned the screen away from my eyes from seeing, he got indigniate and told me…that “That is NONE of your business” Really, a government worker telling me that 10+ people making us of my SS# and it is none of MY business?! Yeah, I have a feeling there is alot more going on behind the scenes that our own government turns a blind eye to. For the rest of us, stealing or using another american’s SS# is a felony. For illegal aliens, it is not a crime. Aint that fair?

      Report Post »  
  • DallyWama
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:37am

    Muhahahahahahha

    Report Post »  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:35am

    Go to hell, Jose. You are a disgraceful fool and will find no pity here.

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • americanoverpolitics
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:22am

    Just proves anyone can get a license and therefore anyone can vote. So requiring a DL isnt going to prohibit non US Citizens from voting and killing our constitution.

    Report Post » americanoverpolitics  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:36am

      I believe that with all the new “Absentee Ballot” or Vote by Mail programs will take care of that. Because of the lack of “Poll Workers” and the fact that ID requirements are more lax when you have Vote by Mail Elections, this is a growing trend and as these programs increase in frequency across the country this will be the new “ACORN” voter registration fraud will rear its ugly head.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:55pm

      Trueone-

      You are so right. And voting in WA state is strictly vote by mail only.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • rbosque
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:29pm

      You’re right. And how many times has this been repeated? How many foreigners participate in our elections?

      Hey ICE, throw him out and everyone who commits fraud.

      Report Post » rbosque  
  • jeff.cooper
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:19am

    LOL @ his collective struggle comment.

    But let’s ask a deeper question involving his taxpayer status. If he possibly didn’t use a SS number to obtain a license, and he has been paid for his work as a journalist, has he paid taxes on his income? HuffPo, WashPo, PhillyDaily, and SF Chron may or may not have run background checks on the SS number provided them on application forms and the 1040 form. Wouldn’t payroll have been alerted of a wrong SS number during an internal or IRS audit and are those entities guilty of covering up his crime by ignoring the descrepancy? While it is most likely he was a 1099 employee, so then one could ask did he properly file that form?

    My point is that an illegal worker isn’t committing just one crime but possibly commits many. Identification fraud to the state and federal governments, taxpayer fraud, non-payment of income taxes, and others crimes costs me and you countless amounts of money to be investigated and prosecuted. So what is the answer?

    Round up illegals, prosecute, imprison and/or deport, penalize guilty businesses who ignored a worker’s illegal status, and secure the borders to stem the flow of illegals in this country. The government must set aside sentimentality and politics. It must abide by and prosecute the laws it wrote and willingly passed. Amnesty is political appeasement in which the government receives very little in return for it’s investment per person.

    Report Post » jeff.cooper  
    • SRDB
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:52am

      I agree completely. America was never created so that the welfare of the world can suck us dry. As a matter of fact,I believe the line on the Statue of Liberty, “Give us your tired, your poor” needs to be read, “Give us the ones who wants to be an American citizen and adopt our ways through honest work!” I’m very tired of the huge sucking sound coming out of my wallet because of ungrateful, devious, and manipulating illegals.

      Report Post »  
    • cosmo
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:06pm

      Good point! He was most likely using someone’s SSN. My sister fell victim to this – the IRS was after her for unpaid taxes for a job she never had. Turns our an illegal was using her name and SSN to work. To avoid paying the taxes on this person’s income, she had to hire a lawyer and when she provided the feds and local law enforcement with the perpetrator‘s workplace and other information so they could arrest her they told her they couldn’t do anything about it. Two years later the same thing happened to her again.

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:53pm

      I read his article. He does pay taxes, and he has a social security number which is not stolen, but is not valid either since it was obtained using a fake Philippines passport. He obtained it with the aid of his grandfather, who was a legal resident, after he was sent here by his mother (who did not tell him he was coming here illegally).

      I’m not for a blanket amnesty but it does seem to me that guys like this, someone who didn’t choose to come here illegally, was educated here, has been here his entire adult life, is gainfully employed, and pays his taxes, deserve some better answer than go to the Philippinesa for ten years and we might let you come back.

      Report Post »  
  • LadyVet
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:15am

    Why hasn’t this guy been arrested yet? He has admitted to several crimes, fraud and being here illegally, why has he not been arrested yet? Why isn’t ICE looking for him? All the illegals need to go! No more government freebies, you should have to prove citizenship or legal residency in order to get any benefits especially welfare, housing, public schooling and food stamps. I’m sick and tired of working to support illegals, foreign dictators, and Americans who won’t work! Stop the handouts, stop the debt! Dry up the freebies and watch them leave….

    Report Post »  
  • War_Eagle
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:13am

    So he’s been here for fourteen years, twelve of them as an adult, and in all of that time, he hasn’t lifted a finger to go through the process of becoming a legal citizen. And now, he wants us to feel sorry for him?

    Report Post »  
    • conservativemom99
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:48am

      my thoughts exactly…

      Report Post » conservativemom99  
    • Smug
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:20am

      I feel no pity for this person. When are they going to learn, we are a nation of laws not exceptions or exemptions……………….MSSMUG

      Report Post »  
    • better red than dead
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:42am

      Application for legal status would involve being deported and unable to return to the country for a decade or more. Without any ties to the Philippines I can see why he wouldn’t.

      Report Post » better red than dead  
  • sullinsea
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:11am

    This article provides me with no comfort at all. It tells me that if evidence that a license issuee does not actually reside in WA (regardless of his or her immigration status) s forced upon it DOL will perform its duty under the law and cancel the license, especially where not doing so could embarass its leaders and the rest of the dominant political class of the state.

    But the artcle provides no evidence DOL is doing any investigative work on its own initiative. And, the political class in Olympia continues to embarass and dishonor its citizens by stubbornly persisting in maintaining a law that only one or two states continue to keep on their books – a law that aids and abets the ongoing commission of a crime by making it easy for individuals who are criminally present within our national borders to perpetuate and profit from their ongoing crime.

    Change the law. Require proof of citizenship or legal status before a driver’s license is issued. This man’s license was not revoked because of his illegal immigration status but rather because he lied about his residency in WA.

    Report Post »  
    • Hiswill
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:19pm

      I live in WA and on any given day in the parking lot of the DMV you will see a cornucopia of license plates from all over.. Inside the building its 90% Hispanic.

      Report Post » Hiswill  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:07am

    Oh look at the face on him….feel sorry for me because I‘m an illegal alien and it’s easier to cheat your way in the USA instead of applying for citizenship legally…..oh you poor stupid immigrant, get out of this country….we don’t want you unless you are here legally!!!! Got that???

    Report Post »  
    • Edct
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:10am

      We need to kick all of the brown invading illegal cockroaches out of our country and elect some non prostitute politicians who care about our country to shoot the invaders as they try to invade the U.S.

      Report Post »  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:39pm

      EDCT

      Instead of kicking out “brown” illegal aliens… How about we kick out all illegal aliens regardless of race, religion, or sex?!?

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
  • bigfatslob
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:06am

    Very well, now deport him.

    Report Post » bigfatslob  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:03am

    I wonder what would happen to me if I used fake ID? Most government paperwork has warnings if you lie it would be punishable with fines and jail time. I guess they are only kidding.

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:03am

      That is the problem. True American citizens are the only ones that need to obey the laws. They make examples out of us if we don’t. The criminals walk free, and we pay for it. LOL

      Report Post » Darla_K  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:04pm

      No, if you live her legally, the laws apply and you will be charged. If you live here illegally then they will jump through their arses to protect you from such pesky inconveniences. Got it?

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • drago
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:52am

    Declare open season on illegals, and this all stops…………..

    Report Post »  
  • kralcorn2
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:41am

    My spouse is from the Philippines and she came to the US LEGALLY and is now a naturalized citizen all done LEGALLY. Did I mention that she did not break the law? Her parents and brother will have to wait years to be petitioned so they can come to the U.S. but this clown has essentially cut to the front of the line and wants to change the rules so that his “cutting in line” and breaking the law will get him a free pass. So what about those that have and are playing by the rules and waiting for their petition? What kind of message are we sending them?

    Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:07am

      Glad to have your wife’s addition to America!!!
      Welcome and thank you to her!!

      Now, let’s secure our borders since some people do not respect our laws, as your wife clearly does and did.

      “PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE”

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:23pm

      My sister-n-law came here legally too. And it is not a pic-nick either as I am sure you know. My husband and I had to sponsor her. My brother, her husband, was unemployed at the time because he just moved back from Australia where he met and married her. So, my husband and I had to sign papers that we were responsible for her which essentially meant that she could not claim any public assistance or if she did, we were responsible. However, she is now a citizen of the US.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:39am

    If he wants to stay, he should tell the truth, stand up like a man and do what is right, then and only then will I have any respect for this man’s writing. If he doesn’t get truth that way, then everythibg he writes is suspect.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:38am

    So let me get this straight. This guy has knowingly been an illegal. He’s broken the law to hide that fact, and now wants to have us listen to stories about other law breakers in a hope we’ll say, hey that‘s ok if you’re a crook, you’re one of us now.

    Report Post »  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:42pm

      “hey that‘s ok if you’re a crook, you’re one of us now.”

      Isn’t that the line the politicians use?!?

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:32am

    So why wasn’t he deported right after confessing to his crime? Entering the US illegally is a crime!

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:31am

    How dare the Americans enforce their immigration laws, this is an outrage! (sarcasm)

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:58am

      I have a feeling WA State does this kind of stuff alot. The governor got caught on this one.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:30am

    its about time .. lets see MORE happen.. as I understand it he has a stolen SS number,,maybe put him in JAIL for identity theft

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • poppinbeaners
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:27am

    Hunt him down, ship him home.

    Report Post » poppinbeaners  
  • NJTMATO
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:21am

    He continued, “However, I believe it is a small price to pay relative to the big things we’re going to do, together.”

    What does that mean? You will teach those who are illegal how to get around our system, use loopoles to pretend that you are a citizen?!!! How about doing things the right way. You can write from the Philippines, can’t you? Get it done right!

    Report Post » NJTMATO  
  • flyoverbob
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:16am

    He only came forward after he was boxed in,so he saw this as a way of maybe staying here and also promoting himself.

    Report Post »  
    • Caniac Steve
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:29am

      I agree with ya on that !!

      Report Post » Caniac Steve  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:36am

      And the state of Washington only did this, because they got caught. Would they have cancelled his license if he had not confessed? We’ll never know, now.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • BetsyRoss1513
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:14am

    Hope you sent some money home prior to this; you’ll need it.

    Report Post » BetsyRoss1513  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:12am

    This is a felony and need to do time.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:10am

    I hear the Phillipines are nice this time of year. Have a great trip. One Way

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
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