Utah: No more gun permits for foreigners

[HEMIzygote]

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah has stopped issuing concealed-gun permits to foreigners because of the rising number of applicants and the difficulty of conducting background checks.

"Utah had become the state of choice for people who did not live in the United States but wanted to carry a gun in the country," said Richard Wyss, attorney at the Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation. State authorities "became alarmed," he told lawmakers Tuesday.

About 1,000 citizens of other countries have permits that allow them to carry a concealed gun in Utah and 30 states that have an agreement with Utah. Most are Canadians; others are from countries including Japan, Switzerland, Aruba, Mongolia, Mexico and the Republic of Congo.

Since 1995, Utah has issued 92,000 permits, 30 percent to non-Utah residents. Applicants typically must show they attended a safety class. Even a blind North Dakota man has one.

Background checks on foreigners were weak because Utah was denied access to records in other countries, but permits were issued if applicants met other requirements, authorities said. Utah now won't renew or issue the permits unless it can do a thorough background check.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070926/ap_ ... un_permits

[AEA]

Well......

I think this is good. After all the Constitution of the United States and the 2nd Amendment is for US Citizens, not Foreign Nationals.

Consider this......
With the problems that we have with Illegal Aliens crossing our borders now, is it prudent to legally arm them?

[Liberty]

Well......

I think this is good. After all the Constitution of the United States and the 2nd Amendment is for US Citizens, not Foreign Nationals.

Consider this......
With the problems that we have with Illegal Aliens crossing our borders now, is it prudent to legally arm them?

I don't think Utah was issuing them to illegal aliens just the legal ones. I do think its approriate to restrict giving licenses to those whom haven't been here long enough to establish a good record. Getting an OK from Countrys such as Canada should be easy enough also.

[milodog]

I think its a great idea to restrict them. If you cant pass a background check, you shouldn't be granted the privilege.

According to the article, 30% of all licenses are issued to non-residents. I don't understand why they would issue licenses to them either.

[cbr600]

Until "full faith and credit" means the same for concealed carry as it does for driving, I don't see any reason why Utah shouldn't issue non-resident licenses provided applicants take the class and pass the background check.

[stevie_d_64]

Until "full faith and credit" means the same for concealed carry as it does for driving, I don't see any reason why Utah shouldn't issue non-resident licenses provided applicants take the class and pass the background check.

Well they do...And if you meet the requirements they have set...You can get one...

Darn it...

[frankie_the_yankee]

Well......

I think this is good. After all the Constitution of the United States and the 2nd Amendment is for US Citizens, not Foreign Nationals.

Where do you draw the line? I recently got my permanent residence after a little over 2 years; I have another 3 to go before I may become a citizen.

Now, does that mean that for 5 years in total, I must stay defenceless... or be subject to searches without warrant, no freedom of speech, cannot practice my religion, etc?

I agree that there must be a line somewhere - the problem is, where?

AEA is incorrect. The Constitution doesn't apply to just citizens. Many of the enumerated rights apply to everyone, including illegal aliens.

For instance, even illegal aliens are entitled to due process, to be protected against cruel and unusual punishments, etc.

In most areas, the Constitution is silent as to whether its provisions are reserved for citizens only. In these instances, state or federal government can write whatever they want into statutes.

Most states (possibly all) allow for legal RESIDENT aliens to purchase and possess guns. And I think that most of the shall issue states will issue CHL's to legal resident aliens.

Federal law makes distinctions between resident aliens and those here on student or tourist visas.

The Constitution, in different degrees, applies to everyone within the borders of the United States, not just citizens.

[AEA]

Thanks for that correction.