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CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

We have a serious problem here in North Carolina – a problem that can have serious ramifications on our national security.

According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, we live in one of 10 states that permits anyone to receive state issued driver’s licenses or identification cards without providing proof of their legal status.

While this may at first seem insignificant, you may recall that each of the terrorists who hijacked the airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001 held valid driver’s licenses or identification cards. Those little pieces of plastic granted a false sense of legitimacy and helped the terrorists breeze right through security.

You would think that we would have learned our lesson.

Unfortunately, North Carolina has not taken all of the necessary steps to secure the safety of its citizens. Nearly two years after the 9/11 attacks, a top DMV official criticized some of his employees for being “too aggressive” with immigrants who presented suspicious credentials while applying for a license.

A Greensboro News & Record article released last week contained excerpts from a memo issued in August 2003 by the supervisor of the driver’s license section of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. “If local law enforcement wants to make an issue of their legal status, that obviously is their right and responsibility depending on the statutes under which they operate,” said Wayne Hurder. “But let me make it clear – for the umpteenth time – North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20 does not involve itself with a person’s legal status in determining their eligibility to apply for a license.”

This is precisely one of the reasons why I joined House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner

(R-Wis.) last week as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 418, also known as the “Real I.D. Act.” This legislation would require that federal agencies only accept driver’s licenses and state issued identification cards from states that prove the legal status of applicants. The bill will also require states to review the legality of existing license holders upon renewal or replacement.

Don’t get me wrong. I am one of the strongest advocates of state rights that you will find. However, if a state acts irresponsibly and places the national security of the rest of the country at risk, then Congress must get involved.

As your Congresswoman, I am absolutely committed to pushing for immigration reform. I am also committed to doing everything in my power to protect the well-being of the people of the Fifth District.

Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968.

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