Since it's customary for most illegal aliens to use false identification it appears that the majority are in fact criminals. Using counterfeit documents is a crime. The Mexican consulate cards that have been issued for identification purposes is ludicrous, especially when the STANDARD today for foreigners is a machine readable passport.
The problem that Tom Ridge is facing is to implement a workable system that would identify and document the millions of illegal aliens that are using such false identification. Until such a system is put into place all illegal aliens are potential security risks. One way to achieve Ridge's objective would be for every illegal alien who comes forward to earn their citizenship by MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE. The ones who opt out would be immediately removed. Those aliens wanted for crimes in the sending state would be extradited. In the interim, military style holding facilities would be built on off-shore islands, so as not to bog down the judicial system while processing them.
Their mere presence is an act of breaking the law, but I was responding to a point other than the one you;re making.
In fact, California issues legal documents to illegal aliens.