The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE -- A bill backed by Gov. Jeb Bush that would have allowed illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses has been abandoned by its sponsor after law enforcement officials raised security concerns.

Republican state Sen. Rudy Garcia said he would propose studying the issue before next year's legislative session begins.

It was the latest setback to efforts to grant licenses to illegal immigrants.

Four months ago, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger repealed a law that would have allowed about 2 million illegal immigrant drivers there to begin applying for licenses. He cited domestic security concerns as a reason.

Bush said Saturday that he would continue to work with law enforcement to try to improve the measure before the next session. Sheriffs questioned whether other countries can provide acceptable criminal background checks.

Bush said requiring background checks in Florida and abroad that meet law enforcement standards ``would be enough, along with the other requirements, to be able to give a temporary license to people that aren't being deported.''

"Others disagree with that, obviously, and I respect that, but I think this was an important debate to start,'' Bush said during a stop in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.

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