House OKs Citizenship Check for Licenses

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[Sub-Driver]

House OKs Citizenship Check for Licenses

1 minute ago

By SUZANNE GAMBOA

WASHINGTON - Hoping to keep drivers licenses out of the hands of terrorists, the House voted Thursday make states verify that applicants are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants.

Republicans pushed the measure through on a 261-161 vote despite protests from governors and state motor vehicle departments that it would be too costly and would require them to take on the role of immigration officers.

The bill also would make it easier for judges to deport immigrants seeking political asylum if they think they might be terrorists.

"Common sense says we should not allow suspected terrorists to be able to stay inside our borders if they could harm us," said House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

The measure was rejected by Congress and the White House in December as part of a bill reorganizing intelligence agencies in response to flaws found after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorism attacks. It was revived with newly won support from the Bush administration.

"Today there are over 350 valid drivers license designs issued by the 50 states. We all know it's very difficult for security officials at airports to tell the real ID cards from the counterfeit ones," said the bill's sponsor, House Judiciary Committee (news - web sites) Chairman James Sensenbrenner.

[Not A Snowbird]

despite protests from governors and state motor vehicle departments that it would be too costly and would require them to take on the role of immigration officers.

BS. How hard is it to look at a birth certificate or green card?

[Texas_Jarhead]

This is HR 418 right?

[SmithL]

It's a nice start. Now expand it it to cover ALL government services and benefits.

[Madeleine Ward]

Just how much time does it take to look at a Birth Certificate or other proof of citizenship.

But Motor Voter was no problem. Right.

[Mount Athos]

I wonder what the odds are in the senate.

[GOP_1900AD]

Excellent. Score: US Patriots 1 - Grover Norquist Jr and other border busters 0. Some of them were trying to freak people out right here at FR with the ruse that this bill would result in a national ID, or chips in people's foreheads, etc.

[drt1]

"despite protests from governors and state motor vehicle departments that it would be too costly and would require them to take on the role of immigration officers to actually do the job they are paid to do.

There, now it's fixed.

[MineralMan]

Well, when I got my new license in Minnesota last Summer, I had to show either my passport or birth certificate. They took a photo of my passport for their records. Apparently, some states have already done all of this stuff.

I fail to see the problem of this uniform drivers' license law. It's not a National ID. I already have my passport, and that's definitely a National ID.

It's a drivers' license. A lot of states are already in compliance with this bill's provisions.

[MineralMan]

"I wonder what the odds are in the senate."

It'll pass there, too. Bush supports it.

[OXENinFLA]

Yup...

[OXENinFLA]

PING...

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

After the 9/11/01 attacks, New Jersey enacted a points system to get or renew licenses. You need so much stuff with you to prove you are who you say you are it is not funny. But, some of the hijackers did have NJ drivers licenses. So NJ tried to crack down then.

[Txsleuth]

Considering how often people drive over state's lines everday, especially in the Northeast, I just don't get why it would be sssssoooo bad to have a standardized driver's license.

States could put their own logo, state flower or whatever, but make them alike in the restrictions and identification needed---

[MineralMan]

"After the 9/11/01 attacks, New Jersey enacted a points system to get or renew licenses. You need so much stuff with you to prove you are who you say you are it is not funny. But, some of the hijackers did have NJ drivers licenses. So NJ tried to crack down then."

And so they should! I have no problem with demonstrating my identity and citizenship to get a drivers' license. Why on earth would I mind?

This is going to be a long, busy, and angry thread. Mark my words. The libertarians of both the big L and little l varieties are going to jump on it with both feet, as are the others who are scared to death that someone might know who they are.

[tfecw]

because the feds don't need to be handling that. States need to be.

[MineralMan]

"Considering how often people drive over state's lines everday, especially in the Northeast, I just don't get why it would be sssssoooo bad to have a standardized driver's license.

States could put their own logo, state flower or whatever, but make them alike in the restrictions and identification needed--- "

---

I don't get it either, but there are a lot of folks on Free Republic who think this is the start of a slippery slope. You know, the "mark of the beast" folks, and the folks who are scared that the government is going to follow them around with black helicopters or something.

There may even be some lawbreakers posting here who are concerned about being found out if they have to prove their identities to get a drivers' license.

In any case, this will become law. Bush wants it to become law. Therefore, the Senate will pass this, just like the House did.

[newberger]

WAKE UP.

This isn't just a standardized license,

It is a full national ID card. It includes
biometrics and is connected to a FEDERAL database
that will be shared with MEXICO and CANADA.

This is wrong. We are headed back to the old Soviet Union.

"Your papers, please!"

Are Freepers really willing to trade our freedom for
questionable security???

Tyrasny always excuses itself by stressing security.

[newberger]

It *IS* a national ID card.

[Clemenza]

I wonder how Governor Beavis, er, Gregoire feels about this since Washington State allows for illegals to get licenses.