New York sheriffs, county clerks take aim at governor’s plan to license illegals

An organization of New York state sheriffs and two county clerks have came out strongly against Governor Elliott’s Spitzer’s plan to provide drivers licenses to illegal aliens. The Sheriffs' Association formally opposed the plan following a presentation by Spitzer's homeland-security director.

The Association released a statement saying, "We do not feel that providing a driver's license to illegal immigrants is appropriate and, as an association, we do not support that program." Spitzer would provide three kinds of licenses, two meeting tougher Real ID federal standards.The third would be available to illegal aliens. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Spitzer's revised plan for illegal aliens is a bad idea.

"When you allow lawbreakers to be legitimized with a New York license, what kind of example are you setting?" Livingston County Sheriff John York asked.

Two county clerks, one of them appointed by Spitzer, have warned that under the governor's plan, they intend to report any such aliens to law enforcement for deportation. The clerks have been in discussion with their local police departments and district attorneys to craft their own new policy they believe will deter illegal immigrants from even applying for licenses.

The clerks said their offices will accept paperwork from those suspected to be illegal aliens and process it as required by Spitzer's order. But they will also report suspected illegal aliens to their local law enforcement, who then can notify federal immigration officials.