COLEMAN BILL CONDEMNS STATES THAT ISSUE DRIVERS’ LICENSES

(Taken from: http://coleman.senate.gov/index.cfm?...elease_id=1489)

COLEMAN BILL CONDEMNS STATES THAT ISSUE DRIVERS’ LICENSES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Minnesota senator says national security and rule of law at stake

November 8th, 2007 - Washington, D.C. -

Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman today introduced legislation condemning states that issue driver’s licenses to aliens residing in the United States illegally. Coleman’s Sense of the Senate resolution would make it the official position of the Senate that states who issue government identification to illegal immigrants are disrespecting and disregarding federal immigration laws. The measure also finds that these actions present a national security risk and enable election fraud. Coleman’s resolution is cosponsored by: Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Johnny Isakson, (R-GA), Pat Roberts (R - KS), Trent Lott (R-MS), David Vitter (R-LA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Kit Bond (R-MO), James Inhofe (R-OK), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Lindsay Graham (R-SC).

“When states engage in this practice, we are telling illegal immigrants that you can live here with impunity,” said Coleman. “At the core, this is a national security issue. Following the attacks of 9-11, we made a promise to the American people to make this country safer. Providing illegal immigrants with a driver’s license affords them access to bank accounts, airline flights and other resources that the 9-11 hijackers used to attack this nation. As a former mayor, I have led the charge against sanctuary cities; and I believe states must similarly stop undermining our immigration laws.”

“Giving illegal immigrants valid government-issued IDs defies common sense and undermines the rule of law,” Alexander said.

“Like most Americans, I believe common sense would dictate that someone who is here illegally should not be allowed to obtain a driver’s license. It is irresponsible for states to loosely hand out these documents without checking that the recipients are here lawfully. This poses a national security risk, encourages illegal immigration, and is an affront to our sensibilities about the rule of law. Over the years, I’ve supported legislation to make sure that illegal immigrants cannot obtain driver’s licenses, and I hope this resolution sends a clear message to the states that they must act responsibly,” said Gregg

Eight states currently issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and New York will begin doing so soon. Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives.

What's up with Martinez?

I don't see why we can't be given drivers licenses. It can only benefit the economy (and hurt the environment ). When I used to have a DL, I spent a lot more than I did now that I don't have one. The same can be said for bank accounts, it would make it more likely that undocumented would keep more money in banks rather than sending it back home. It doesn't make any sort of sense to me. These "asslickpackers" (LAMO) complain about undocumented sending millions of dollars out of the US economy, though who would keep large sums of CASH in their house some where. For a hand full of bad seeds, all of us get the shit end of the stick. I believe a couple, if not then one, of the terrorist was an American Citizen. If that's their logic process then no DLs for citizens as well, it poses a security threat. But what really busts my bubble is the statement people stubbornly stand by, "illegal is illegal".

Coleman is just prolonging the problem. He is introducing a Senate Resolution that expresses the sense of the Senate that it is wrong for states to issue DLs to undocumented immigrants.

First of all, Norm, you can take your Resolution and throw it in the garbage. You don't propose any concrete solutions to the problem of undocumented immigrants nor do you propose a practical plan to deal with the people. Norm, you can showboat your opposition to undocumented immigrants as much as you want. As the local elections of last week have indicated, immigration isn't a deal-breaker issue for voters. Americans are frustrated by the problem of illegal immigration but they are especially peeved about Congress' lack of leadership or willingness to solve this problem.

So Norm, give your speeches and spew your rhetoric. But when you're ready to have some spine and propose a fair, effective and practical solution to the problem, then you can call yourself a United States Senator.

Norm Coleman??

Why are you guys surprised?! In US political career comes first, before helping people

Norm Coleman: Year of Next Election:Nov, 2008

I hope Al takes his seat.

Weren't the hijackers here legally on valid visas issued by the U.S. government? A law that prevents illegal immigrants from obtaining ID's would have done nothing to prevent 9/11 and has done nothing to make the country safer. Yet another politician distorting the truth in order to further his own agenda.