New York state issues drivers licenses for illegals

 
Gordon Taylor at Red State:

The question before the state [of New York] was, "What should we do to get rid of illegal aliens driving illegally in New York State?" A. When stopped for a traffic violation, arrest them for driving without a license. B. When stopped for a traffic violation, arrest them for driving without a license and also for being here illegally and deport them. C. Apologize for the inconvenience and send them on their way with a free lottery ticket. D. Escort them to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles to get a license. The answer the state chose was... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...D

The New York Post summarized the ramifications for residents of the state.

Gov. Spitzer announced yesterday that illegal immigrants will get driver's licenses - but at a cost to legal citizens because they'll now be useless as airport ID... Spitzer said the state would no longer require 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. ...States that fail to meet the [2005] standards will lose their certification by the Department of Homeland Security, meaning that driver's licenses in those states will no longer be valid for air travel, entry to federal facilities and for tax purposes... Travelers will now have to carry a second form of ID, like a passport, which was met with criticism yesterday. "To outright dismiss the security needs of our state and nation and provide illegal aliens documentation is dangerous and inconceivable," said Sen. Dale Volker (R-Depew)... "Gov. Spitzer should not view New York state driver's licenses like baseball cards - handing them out just to score political points." Rep. Peter King (R-L.I.), the ranking member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, said: "I strongly disagree with giving state-authorized IDs to illegal immigrants. More importantly, this proposal raises serious homeland-security concerns..."

True, but I can think of few other concerns as well.

Such as the possibility of illegal voting scams that would benefit the likes of Hillary Clinton and Spitzer himself.

Story idea: Larwyn. McLovin's drivers' license: Gothamist. UBL's license adapted from: TRJ.