For Immediate Release
November 15, 2007
Media Contact: Ray Yonkura
(202) 225-2676
Jordan Cosponsors Bill to Prevent Illegal Aliens
From Being Issued Drivers' Licenses
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) today cosponsored legislation prohibiting states from issuing drivers’ licenses to the estimated 15 to 20 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.
“This is about as clear-cut an issue as we face here in Congress, and I hope this bill passes quickly,” said Jordan. “Rewarding illegal behavior with the privilege of driving is not just bad transportation policy--it’s bad immigration policy, and even worse for America’s national security.”
The legislation, H.R. 4176, comes in response to recent efforts by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome and New York Governor Elliot Spitzer to begin granting licenses to illegals.
Having visited the Mexican border on a fact-finding trip earlier this year, Jordan said that our first immigration priority must be to secure our borders to stop the problem of illegal immigration at its source. He also noted that immigration reform efforts in Congress must reject “amnesty” for those who are here illegally, and must also make the immigration process work better for those who follow the rules to become new citizens.
“The American people understand this issue very clearly, but unfortunately the politicians don’t get it,” commented Jordan. “Just as the so-called immigration reform bill keeps resurfacing despite overwhelming opposition to it, this idea likely won’t die easily. We must continue to speak out against similar attempts anywhere in the nation that would reward illegal behavior in this way.”
