We hear the silence from Albany all the way here on L.I.

We'd like to say that we are relieved to see that some New York State lawmakers, specifically from the Assembly Republican Conference, have spoken out against the decision by New York State Gov. Eliot Spitzer to allow illegal aliens the right to obtain New York driver's licenses, but frankly, the response should have been a united front from every state lawmaker in the Assembly and Senate. The fractured, lukewarm, reaction is disappointing and frankly, not very comforting.

The Governor's new policy not only breaks the law but also endangers the security of nearly 18 million New Yorkers. The proposal is in in direct violation of state law that requires a Social Security number be provided to obtain a driver's license (Section 502, subsection 1 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law). And, it is in opposition to how many New Yorkers want their government to act with regard to illegal aliens.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, seven of the 9/11 hijackers acquired identifications in Virginia. In fact, it has been reported that the terrorists paid illegal aliens to help them obtain valid IDs by making false statements of residency. This allowed them to move about our country freely and to rent vehicles and board aircraft used in the plot against us.

The Federal Real ID Act, and the proposed federal regulations to implement it, require states to meet certain minimum security standards in order for state driver licenses to be acceptable. Requirements under the federal law include that an applicant produce evidence of a valid Social Security number.

Unlike Spitzer's plan, the only foreign documentation that would be accepted would be a foreign passport with a valid, current US Visa. The federal standards were developed to protect against identity fraud and to protect our national security. That is a far cry from Spitzer's claim that the federal laws ignore the existence of those who have illegally entered our country. To the contrary, it is Spitzer who is ignoring the federal laws that seek to protect Americans from the dangers posed by open borders and turning a blind's eye toward illegal immigration.

That is bad enough, but also having our local state lawmakers carefully testing the political waters before making any statement about the "clear and present danger," the policy change would create for the legal citizens of this state and this country, is astounding.

We're sad and disappointed, and we won't forget next year when election time rolls around. We hope our readers don't forget either.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Editorial	1
West Babylon Alumni Foundation installs new officers	1
Heard It On The Grapevine	1