Senate Passes Bill To Prohibit Drivers Licenses For Illegal Aliens

New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), along with his colleagues in the New York State Senate, today passed legislation that would stop Governor Spitzer’s plan to issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens by requiring a social security number or proof of authorized presence in the United States to obtain a New York State drivers license or non-driver identification card.

The legislation, Senate Bill 6484, the Senate passed today is sponsored by Senator Frank Padavan (Queens). It would require applicants for a drivers license or non-driver identification card to submit a social security number. When a social security number cannot be provided, the applicant must demonstrate they are ineligible to get a number and provide satisfactory proof that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

"Governor Spitzer's plan poses a threat to public safety and security, diminishes the value of licenses held by law-abiding citizens, opens the door to potential voter fraud and rewards illegal behavior," said Senator Skelos. "It is not surprising then, that 72 percent of New Yorkers oppose this ill-advised and deeply flawed policy. This legislation would prevent Governor Spitzer's disastrous plan from moving forward, and I urge the Assesmbly to act on it swiftly."

The Senate held a public hearing on the legislation last week. Experts on national security, immigration, secure drivers licenses and ID cards, and representatives of the families of 9/11 victims spoke out against the Governor’s plan, calling it a threat to security.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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