Spitzer to let illegal immigrants get driver's licenses

[struggle4progress]

By LEAH RAE
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: September 22, 2007)

... Immigrants will be able to show foreign passports and other identification documents to qualify for licenses - and no longer be denied for lack of Social Security numbers. The policy will start phasing in by year's end.

The decision is a big turnaround at the Department of Motor Vehicles, which under Gov. George Pataki tightened the rules for foreign-born applicants. The DMV barred people from renewing their licenses without valid Social Security numbers, something illegal immigrants would not be able to present ...

"I think that people should really think about the dangers of having uninsured and unlicensed drivers on the road," said Graciela Heymann, an advocate for the new policy and executive director of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition. State officials said the new policy would reduce the risk posed by drivers who have no insurance and never passed a road test ...

State officials said the wider eligibility rules would be accompanied by stronger anti-fraud measures. New document scanners will check the validity of foreign passports and compare an applicant's photo with the ones already in the system. To ensure that illegal immigrants don't flood into New York for licenses, the governor would seek state legislation to make applicants prove that they live within the state. Most changes would be made administratively ...

http://www.nynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070922/NEWS05/709220370

[Ian David]

1. Why not? Bush let them get pilots' licenses. n/t

[Forkboy]

5. ...

:spray:

[AlCzervik]

6. For the win!

:toast:

that was awesome.

[Deja Q]

2. How about going through the same training and tests non-illegal people had to take?

Or are these licenses being handed out like those little sample hot dog slices from that supposedly nice lady at the grocer's, when all she's really doing is encouraging you to buy the whole 10 pak of wieners, which you wouldn't otherwise buy if you read the ingredients and nutrition list...

Much like what would happen if you ate the entire 10 pak, you'd also take a big dump in your pants if some nimrod who oughtn't be driving is given a free license and hits your car while you're still driving it.

[struggle4progress]

4. That's Spitzer's point

[LeftyMom]

3. Having dealt with two hit-and-runs where the drivers bailed in the past two years

I'd be frikking thrilled to have more licensed and insured drivers on the road here. But we can't, 'cause OH NOES!! BROWN FOLKS MIGHT COME TO CALIFORNIA!!! If we don't let them drive legally, that'll keep 'em out! :eyes:

Oh, and based on the Cali proposal threads of a while back, countdown to racist fuckwittery on this thread in 3.. 2..