News Update - October 6, 2007
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
New York State Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Back in the News
The States have their own police power and also the power to regulate
and distribute drivers licenses. New York’s Governor Spitzer
announced in September 2007 that the state would issue drivers licenses
to undocumented persons, that there will be security features and
that the cards would actually increase security as persons currently
without drivers licenses could then drive legally, buy insurance
and be liable for violations etc. Applicants would still be required
to show a valid passport or identity document to obtain the licenses.
State legislators are now vowing to defeat the measure and some
county Department of Motor Vehicle officials have stated that they
will not issue drivers licenses without proof of legal status and
will continue to require Social Security numbers of applicants.
The Governor has stated that those refusing to issue licenses are
employees of the State of New York and must issue the licenses.
An ad campaign has begun on local television linking the driver’s
license issue to national security and terrorism. More on this issue
as it continues to heat up….
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