SPRINGFIELD - A proposal to allow illegal immigrants the right to drive legally on Illinois roads faces stiff opposition among many downstate senators.

The measure, which drew about 2,000 supporters to the Capitol for a raucous rally last month, was narrowly approved in the House on a 60 to 56 vote.

Members of the Senate, who could vote on the legislation in the coming weeks, say that narrow margin of victory in the House reflects the divisive nature of the idea, which would make special driver's permits available for undocumented residents.

"It's a tough vote," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "If people are breaking the law by being here illegally, how can we give them rights? And some people say you can't let illegals drive, but we let them work. It's a tough one."

If adopted, the certificate would be valid only for driving and buying automobile insurance in Illinois, which proponents say would make the state's roads safer.

State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, said the bill has support in his district.

"I've had calls from people who want me to vote for it, but I'll probably vote against it," he said. "I've listened to a lot of arguments that the roads would be safer. I just think the fundamental fact is that maybe they aren't here legally."

State Sen. Gary Forby agreed with Luechtefeld that the driving certificates would not make roads safe and said he had no doubt how he will vote.

"I'll vote 'no,' " he said. "When you say illegal immigrant, that just catches me. I just always thought illegal was wrong. Everybody should be treated the same. Why should there be separate rules for illegal immigrants?"

There shouldn't, says Lawrence Benito, assistant director of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

"There should not be a different standard for illegal immigrants," he said. "This is not a way to circumvent the system. They would be treated just as any other driver."

The proposal has received support from lawmakers in Chicago and its suburbs, but downstate Republicans like Dale Righter of Mattoon, Dan Rutherford of Chenoa, Bill Brady of Bloomington and John Jones of Mount Vernon have said they will vote against it.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has pledged to sign the proposal into law. The legislation is House Bill 1100.

Blackwell Thomas can be reached at blackwell.thomas@lee.net or at 789-0865.