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New California licenses for illegals raise homeland security concerns

Department of Revenue officials say a new law in California that gives driver's licenses to illegal immigrant won't undermine Missouri's standards, but as Aidian Holder reports, questions remain about the law's impact on homeland security.

Department of Revenue officials insist that the verification done on applicants is enough to keep Missouri licenses secure.

But skeptics say that's missing the whole point, because an illegal immigrant can do everyday things like drive a car, get a job, or open a bank account with an out of state license.

Missouri Homeland Security Director Tim Daniels says there's not much Missouri can do.

Critics of the California law also say it could allow terrorists and criminals to get fake IDs.

From the state Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder

Date: 10/02/2003

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

A new California law to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants is raising security questions across the nation. While Department of Revenue officials say the law won't undermine Missouri's license standards, Aidian (uh-de-an) Holder reports that the larger issue is how it affects homeland security.

DOR Spokeswoman Jessica Robinson says illegal immigrants won't be able to use a California license to get Missouri ID.

But because illegal immigrants can use an out-of-state license for day to day living, some warn that the law allows illegal immigrants to circumvent immigration law here in Missouri.

Rick Oltman is the Midwest Director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

From the state Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder