Washingtontimes.com
Republican lawmakers in Virginia say they will back legislation at the upcoming General Assembly session that would require noncitizens who apply for driver's licenses to prove they are in the country legally.
The reaction followed a statement from Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, who said this week he would seek such legislation because seven of the 19 September 11 hijackers had illegally obtained driver's licenses issued in Virginia.
Legislation passed at the last General Assembly session requires those applying for a license to provide a photo ID and a birth certificate, as well as proof of where they live, such as a phone bill or other mail addressed to them.
But some lawmakers said that is not enough.
Sen. James "Jay" O'Brien, Fairfax Republican, supports linking license-expiration dates with non-immigrant visas to help identify illegal aliens.
"Every case of a terrorist involves some type of fraud having to do with their documents. Even in the snipers case, one was an American, but the juvenile got here on fraudulent papers," he said.
One way the state could close loopholes is by asking for documents proving the applicant had a right to be in this country, Mr. O'Brien said.
Posted by Suzanne at December 18, 2002