Topeka ? Proponents of allowing illegal immigrants to obtain Kansas driver’s licenses pressed their case Tuesday with legislators and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

“We want to do the right thing. This law, as it is now, is making criminals out of hardworking, decent people,” said Emira Palacios, a member of the Wichita-based group Sunflower Community Action/Hispanos Unidos.

Currently, immigrants seeking driver’s licenses must present proof that they are in the United States legally. That law was passed in 2000 after two Colorado residents were caught in Salina bringing immigrants to Kansas to obtain licenses.

A bill revising the law failed in the House last year. Palacios said illegal immigrants drive without licenses anyway.

Sebelius will continue to support efforts to grant licenses to immigrants and urged the group to work with legislators in both parties, Corcoran-Basso said.

Kansas would gain financially by granting licenses to illegal immigrants, the advocates said. Spokeswoman Sulma Mercado estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 illegal residents live in Kansas, representing between $540,000 and $900,000 in potential driver’s license fees.

Rep. Tom Klein, who supported last year’s bill, said legislators are subjecting illegal immigrants to a double standard.

The advocates said they also wanted to ease the rules for establishing bank accounts and to charge in-state tuition for immigrants at state universities.