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Immigration could surface in Nebraska gov. race

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have a new debate next year over immigration, an issue that could influence the 2014 governor's race.Republican Pete Ricketts and Democrat Chuck Hassebrook remain sharply divided over whether Nebraska should continue to deny driver's licenses for young immigrants who qualify for the Obama administration's deferred-action policy.

The policy grants a temporary reprieve to youths bought to the country illegally as children, who have pursued an education or served in the military and kept a clean criminal background.

Ricketts says those who arrived in the country illegally shouldn't receive privileges intended for legal residents. Hassebrook says denial of driver's licenses effectively punishes the youths for their parents' decisions.

Senator Jeremy Nordquist says he will introduce a bill to reverse Nebraska's policy when lawmakers convene in January.

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