We Must Stop Issuing Driver's Licenses to Illegal Aliens

The Lincoln Tribune ^ | Feb. 1, 2005 | Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

[aeb79]

We have a serious problem here in North Carolina – a problem that can have serious ramifications on our national security.

According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, we live in one of 10 states that permits anyone to receive state issued driver’s licenses or identification cards without providing proof of their legal status.

While this may at first seem insignificant, you may recall that each of the terrorists who hijacked the airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001 held valid driver’s licenses or identification cards. Those little pieces of plastic granted a false sense of legitimacy and helped the terrorists breeze right through security.

You would think that we would have learned our lesson.

Unfortunately, North Carolina has not taken all of the necessary steps to secure the safety of its citizens. Nearly two years after the 9/11 attacks, a top DMV official criticized some of his employees for being “too aggressive” with immigrants who presented suspicious credentials while applying for a license.

A Greensboro News & Record article released last week contained excerpts from a memo issued in August 2003 by the supervisor of the driver’s license section of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. “If local law enforcement wants to make an issue of their legal status, that obviously is their right and responsibility depending on the statutes under which they operate,” said Wayne Hurder. “But let me make it clear – for the umpteenth time – North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20 does not involve itself with a person’s legal status in determining their eligibility to apply for a license.”

This is precisely one of the reasons why I joined House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) last week as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 418, also known as the “Real I.D. Act.” This legislation would require that federal agencies only accept driver’s licenses and state issued identification cards from states that prove the legal status of applicants. The bill will also require states to review the legality of existing license holders upon renewal or replacement.

Don’t get me wrong. I am one of the strongest advocates of state rights that you will find. However, if a state acts irresponsibly and places the national security of the rest of the country at risk, then Congress must get involved.

As your Congresswoman, I am absolutely committed to pushing for immigration reform. I am also committed to doing everything in my power to protect the well-being of the people of the Fifth District.

Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her district office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or her Washington office at (202) 225-2071.

[Mr. Mojo]

Those little pieces of plastic granted a false sense of legitimacy and helped the [9/11] terrorists breeze right through security. You would think that we would have learned our lesson.

Not by a longshot.

[stopem]

Thats right.

Foxx is a conservative after my own heart she strongly supports the 2cnd Amendment, is ProLife and her stance on this issue is to be admired. At least there are some in Washington
who believe that illegals are a threat to national security.

[Mr. Mojo]

At least there are some in Washington who believe that illegals are a threat to national security.

Not nearly enough, unfortunately. But I greatly admire those that do. .....and aren't afraid to act on it.

[veracious]

Welcome to the next collapsing Roman Empire. This is much how it went there, non-Romans took over and the Empire fell.

[drypowder]

a problem that can have serious ramifications on our national security

I think she meant to say: "a problem that has had serious ramifications on our national security." Remember 9/11 congresswoman?

[gubamyster]

ping

[B4Ranch]

You would think that we would have learned our lesson.

[janetgreen]

Hang onto Congresswoman Foxx. We need some just like her in Mexifornia.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Welcome to the next collapsing Roman Empire. This is much how it went there, non-Romans took over and the Empire fell.

Take it from me - it wasn't pretty.

Seriously, my state of Tennessee has instituted a "Driver's Certificate" for anyone who can't verify their citizenship. Giant yellow letters proclaim "NOT FOR I.D. PURPOSES" across it and our LEOs must be presented a secondary ID, acceptable by their standards, when stopping someone who holds one. Judging by the storm being raised by the illegal alien lobby here I believe this was a good thing. That lobby's having great difficulty finding a judge who won't stop laughing.

California needs to try this.

[Republicus2001]

why don't they just use their Mexican license? perfectly legal and good to go in the US...I can't stand people who butt in line ahead of others...

[FBD]

[JustAnotherSavage]

Current polls (3)are still open on FR on this subject.

I find the results of this one interesting. 7.5 % say immigration is not a problem or favor open borders.



http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/poll?poll=10;results=1

Illegal immigration is the problem. 33.8% 1,008
Seal and militarize borders. 33.1% 986
Borders should be closed. 15.7% 467
Immigration should be reduced. 10.1% 300
Borders should be open. 4.1% 121
Immigration is not a big issue. 3.4% 101
100.2% 2,983
__________

3 polls at: http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/poll