Chairman Mondello Urges Spitzer to Reverse Drivers License Policy

ALBANY, NY (09/26/2007)(readMedia)-- Given the importance of the issues surrounding homeland security and immigration, Governor Spitzer’s unilateral order to grant driver’s licenses to illegal aliens is a mistake. I am strongly opposed to this dangerous change in policy, and I urge Governor Spitzer to reconsider this action.

New Yorkers know too well the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of our identification documents. The September 11th hijackers were able to board planes because they all had driver’s licenses or state issued identification. In the wake of this security gap, New York tightened regulations in order to help keep people safe. Yet, with one move, Governor Spitzer wants to move us backward.

In the post 9/11 world, we simply cannot take chances with important identification and security documents.

In addition, rather than acting unilaterally, the governor should have consulted with the elected representatives of the people in the state legislature before changing state policy on such an important matter.

I have heard from people across the length and breadth of New York who share my view that the governor’s proposal to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented aliens is misguided state policy that will undermine the integrity of our state’s voter roles, and most importantly, imperil the critical work that local, state and federal agencies are doing to protect the people of New York from future terrorist attacks.

Governor Spitzer should immediately reverse course on this critical issue.

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