Senator announces support for legislation to prohibit driver’s licenses for illegal aliens

Oct 21, 2007

Albany – State Senator Thomas Morahan (R-C-I, New City) Saturday announced his support for legislation which would require a Social Security number or proof of authorized presence in the United States to obtain a New York State drivers license.

The legislation is expected to be discussed during a special session of the Senate on Monday, October 22.

The proposed legislation is in response to the recently announced administrative order from the governor, which would facilitate the issuance of driver’s licenses to illegal aliens.

Supporters of the Senate legislation feel the new administrative order is inconsistent with the Federal Real ID Actwhich requires a Social Security number and proof of US citizenship or lawful status to be in the United States in order to obtain a drivers license or non-driver ID card.

The new legislation prohibits the Commissioner of motor vehicles from issuing a driver's license to applicants who do not submit satisfactory proof of legally authorized presence in the United States. It requires applicants that are ineligible for a Social Security number to provide proof of such, and also provide proof he or she is legally authorized to be in the United States.

"This legislation will protect and preserve the integrity of the New York State driver’s license while reversing the administration’s policy before it is in full effect," said Morahan, a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.

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