10/25/2007
Greene joins chorus of opposition to license policy
By Ariel Zangla , Freeman staff


CATSKILL - Greene lawmakers have added their voices to the opposition to Gov. Eliot Spitzer's policy change allowing persons without Social Security numbers, including illegal aliens, to obtain driver licenses.

The county Legislature last week unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Spitzer to rescind the policy. The resolution states in part that the "administrative policy change does not require illegal immigrants to have a Social Security number or proof that a person is not eligible for such a number in order to qualify for a driver's license."

The resolution said the policy change is inconsistent with the 2005 federal Real ID Law adopted by Congress, which requires a Social Security number to obtain a license. Failure by a state to meet the federal standards would disqualify local driver licenses from being used as proof for air travel, entry to federal facilities and for tax purposes, the resolution said.

"I have not met a person or constituent who has been in favor of this policy change," Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh, R-Coxsackie, said. He said he hopes Spitzer will take the county's resolution seriously.

Earlier this month, the Dutchess County Legislature, by a 22-2 vote, also adopted a resolution opposing Spitzer's policy change.

According to Greene County's resolution,

The governor's plan is expected to be implemented in two phases beginning this year, with the last day to revoke the order being Oct. 31, according to the county resolution.

"This administrative policy change poses significant security concerns for establishing an applicant's identity and legal presence," the resolution states, arguing that the change could lead to a significant influx of illegal immigrants to the state, taxing local governments and law enforcement.

The county planned to forward its resolution to several state and federal elected officials urging them to request Spitzer rescind the policy change.

©Daily Freeman 2007