3 years ago
If you're an illegal immigrant with a valid passport, the Governor says you should be able to get a driver's license in New York State. He thinks it will help track illegals.
Governor Eliot Spitzer told 2 On Your Side, "and the upside to it is that we will also be generating more taxpayers, we will also be driving down insurance rates, making the roads much safer, so there's been a lot of overheated rhetoric from the other side."
But, there is a lot of opposition. A Channel 2 News/Buffalo News Poll shows nearly 72 percent of voters in Erie County disagree with the plan. It came under fire at a committee hearing in Albany today. Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul says she also disagrees. But, if she's made to enforce the policy, she plans to call the authorities if illegal immigrants come to apply for licenses.
"If someone comes into office and it's determined they are not here legally, we will let the authorities know, we will contact Sheriff Howard and he will send someone over to investigate," Hochul said.
So with all the opposition, what is the Governor thinking?
"Spitzer's making a judgement that right now people are opposed to this in large numbers but that by the time of his next election, or by the time of the congressional elections in November, a lot of the people who are opposed now will have forgotten about this," says Univeristy of Buffalo Professor Jim Battista.
He adds voters have short memories and the ones who will remember may be relatives or friends of the illegals who were helped by this law. It could also mean Spitzer is eyeing a higher office down the line, perhaps even a run for President.
Critics charge this plan will compromise security and downgrade New York State licenses.
The first phase of the plan takes effect December 1st. Illegal immigrants can apply for a driver's license with a valid passport and 6 points of identification. They no longer need social security cards.
