NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SENATOR ROBERT M. PITTENGER
Senate Chamber
State Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
919-733-5655
robertp@ncleg.net



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ryan Minto

Tel: 919-422-4066

E-mail: pittengerin2@ncleg.net





BILL REQUIRES PASSPORT FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE

Senator Robert Pittenger introduces immigration legislation to NC General Assembly





On Tuesday, March 20, State Auditor Les Merritt reported that 27,000 invalid Social Security numbers were used to obtain driver's licenses in North Carolina .



N.C. State Senator Robert Pittenger (R)-Mecklenburg has introduced legislation that would require non-US Citizens to show a valid passport from their country of origin as well as proof of legal presence in the United States in order to receive a driver's license from the Division of Motor Vehicles. In Senate Bill 298, Senator Pittenger effectively addresses the findings of the State Auditor and ends the practice of illegals exploiting the system.



The state audit released Tuesday examined 8 million applicants at the Division of Motor Vehicles where a Social Security number was used to receive a new driver's license. Of those reviewed, 14,122 Social Security numbers were not in the range of valid numbers and 12,796 Social Security numbers matched those of deceased people. Senator Pittenger's bill, which has been referred to the Committee on Transportation, would end the exploitation of invalid Social Security numbers for illegals to obtain a driver's license.



Recognizing that Social Security numbers can be compromised and are not a valid identification to obtain a driver's license, Senator Pittenger introduced the bill on February 22, 2007. "North Carolina remains a high target state for illegals seeking to come to the United States, in great measure because of easy access to obtain a driver's license. Senate Bill 298 will help close the door to illegals entering and residing in North Carolina" Pittenger stated.



Pittenger's bill, if passed, would go into effect July 1, 2007.





If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with

Senator Pittenger, please call 919-733-5655



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