The New York State Senate today gave final passage to Senate Bill S. 6479A sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza (R – Staten Island). This legislation outlines the specific documentation required for an applicant to receive a driver’s license including evidence of lawful immigration status.
“This legislation ensures that only citizens of the United States and legal residents receive a valid New York State Driver's License issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles,” said Senator Lanza. “By implementing legislation requiring a social security number or proof of authorized presence in the United States to obtain a New York State driver's license, it helps guarantee the safety and security of all New Yorkers.”
“A drivers license is one of the most important documents issued in the establishment of one's identity and should not be considered an entitlement. Relaxing requirements endangers not only New Yorkers but all Americans, making it easier for terrorists and illegal immigrants to obtain identification and access to services that, without a license, would be off limits,” continued Senator Lanza. “It is important to note that terrorists involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks used drivers licenses to obtain entry aboard the planes as well as to rent apartments. Drivers license were also used by terrorists to rent trucks used to carry out the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Furthermore, the attacks of September 11, 2001, taught us that we must be vigilant in order to keep our State and country safe.”
“The simple precaution of requiring a Social Security Number to prove one's legal status in this country is a commonsense way of helping to prevent terrorists from obtaining one of the most routinely accepted forms of identification used in this country. Furthermore, this requirement would ensure that a New York driver's license issued to our citizens would continue to be accepted as a valid and credible form of identification. New York State has a clear responsibility to ensure a very high standard to protect the people of this state,” said Lanza.
This bill is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate, Jr. and has been referred to the Transportation Committee.
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