Assemblyman circulates public petition to halt dangerous driver's license policy

Assemblyman circulates public petition
to halt dangerous driver's license policy

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, 139th District, called on the Governor to rescind his new policy that will allow illegal immigrants to obtain legal New York state driver's licenses. "The Governor has put the residents of this state in great danger with his plan. It is a disgrace that amid so much bi-partisan and public outrage over his plan, he still refuses to negotiate changes in the plan," said Hawley. "This whole fiasco could be prevented if he would just put his ego aside and consult with other elected officials regarding the impact this policy change would have on state residents."

The Governor's new policy will allow individuals who do not have a social security number to be eligible to obtain a state driver's license and creates hazardous loopholes in state motor vehicle regulations where anyone can apply and receive a driver's license regardless of citizenship status. This policy is in direct contrast to the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and may violate the Federal Real ID Act. Furthermore, because the Governor's plan will go into effect November 1, state driver's licenses will no longer be acceptable proof of citizenship at our nation's borders or when boarding a plane.

Hawley is circulating a petition that citizens can sign in opposition to undocumented aliens receiving state driver's licenses. He plans to use the petition in his effort with legislative leaders in Albany to have this policy reversed. "I am hopeful that the Governor will do the right thing and meet with legislators in Albany to discuss how we can fix his plan so that it no longer jeopardizes the security of our state," he said.

To obtain copies of the petition (or to return completed petitions) contact Hawley's district office at (585) 589-5780 or e-mail his office at either hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us or lagroup@assembly.state.ny.us.