Did Easley put his foot down with the Knight Ridder? Sometimes it makes you wonder if they aren't beholden to our corrupt Governor and his musclemen.
Posted on 11/09/2005 3:46:30 PM PST by southernnorthcarolina
WASHINGTON - Citing national security, GOP Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte introduced legislation Wednesday that would deny North Carolina $870 million in federal highway money unless it stops issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Specifically, Myrick's bill would target six states that still accept taxpayer ID numbers -- issued by the Internal Revenue Service -- as proof of identity or residence by persons seeking a driver's license.
Besides North Carolina, Myrick's office said, those states are West Virginia, Illinois, Utah, New Mexico and Kentucky.
But Myrick, who is looking at a possible run for governor in 2008, led off her Wednesday morning news conference by focusing on North Carolina -- particularly the Democrats who run state government in Raleigh.
"Basically, we're here to call on the governor (Mike Easley) and the legislature in North Carolina to stop issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens," said Myrick, who was joined by GOP Reps. Patrick McHenry of Cherryville and Virginia Foxx of Banner Elk -- both former members of the N.C. legislature.
Myrick's immigration bill, her third this year, targets an issue that has angered her base of conservative supporters.
North Carolina is home to an estimated 300,000 undocumented immigrants. For them, a driver's license is more than just legal authorization to drive. It's a government-approved ID, complete with a picture. Flashing this prized possession can make it easier to keep a job, cash a check or find a place to live.
For years, the North Carolina DMV argued that it was better that undocumented immigrants who were going to drive anyway be licensed to drive. That way, they'd know the state's rules of the road.
After the September 11 terrorist attacks raised security concerns, the state tightened the driver's license rules.
But not enough, said Myrick and the others Wednesday.
"Our feeling is that a driver's license is a privilege for citizens and legal aliens and it shouldn't be something given to somebody who broke the law," Myrick said.
But she denied that she was targeting Hispanics in low-paying jobs, who make up -- by far -- the biggest percentage of illegal immigrants in the state.
"This isn't aimed at any one race," Myrick said. "Our main concern is: Who's in our state? This is a critical issue today. They just arrested, down on the border, a couple of weeks ago, three al Queda members who came across from Mexico into the United States."
One of the great ideas on this forum which has gone unoticed, or at least unremarked:
A non-drastic solution is obviously what is needed to ameliorate (note I do not say "solve")this problem. There is no need for any alien, legal or otherwise to have an American Driver's License. By international agreement, The US recognizes the license of every known issuing authority on the planet, from Albania to Zambia.
If an illegal alien does not have a DL, may I suggest that he return home and get one? What could be simpler? What should not be simple is re-crossing our joke border to regain entry to the USA.
Less face it, we will never see mass deportation. However with a strengthened border and a crackdown on unlicensed drivers, which every state can handle, we should be able to slow the rate of illegal immigration and deport'em as we catch'em.
The end of birthright citizenship would also put us in line with the rest of the world. By taking a common-sense approach that even many more Republican Congressmen can understand, backed up by a tough border, we'll at least slow down the hispanization of North America. When it finally happens, more of those here might have a better feel for law and order.
In the meantime, make sure your kids know Spanish ... and know the problem that is going to end their birthright, if we don't get on it.
BTW, I heard Bill Richardson on left-wing radio the other day. He was SLICK. He and ther bimbo next door have captured the illegal immigration and border issue. By grunting a few words, they will sway the stupid who are tired of waiting for the Republicans to wake up and toughen up the border.
Come on GOP, Down-Size Illegal Immigration!
WHAT!!!!????
A Mexican driver's liscence works as a guest driver's liscence.
True. Precisely why Mexicans, or other foreigners, do NOT need American drivers licenses. If they are unlicensed in their home country, they are free to return there and get one. If they can't get back in the US because of tougher border controls ... too damned bad!
BTW, did you know that if you, an American, drive into Mexico, or operate an auto while there, Mexican Law requires you to have valid insurance, and a certificate to prove it? Sí Señor.
Some of us supported CAFTA but also feel real photo identificaton is important for voting, driving and more.
Some of us supported CAFTA but also feel real photo identificaton is important for voting, driving and more.
Yes and it better be guest Mexican insurance you buy or at an accident they will arrest and jail you until your American insurance pays them in a year. :-)
Just don't go to Mexico IMO.
Is it too late to add Sue Myrick to the Medal of Freedom list? What a selfless expression of patriotism in the spirit of the Founders.
Bump
The corruption here if investigated would be overwhelming. Our stupid newspaper (the horrible Chicago Tribune) mentions that ID theft and false ID production are taking the place of drug dealing with the gangs as a main source of revenue.
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
The article above was posted on the Charlotte Observer's web site yesterday afternoon. It appeared in expanded form in this morning's dead tree edition, under the bylines of Tim Funk and Dianne Whitacre (previous article was by Tim Funk alone).
Note the new headline, clearly designed to put a negative spin on Rep. Myrick's proposed legislation.
Note also the prominence the article gives to protests from Governor Easley's spokeswoman ("The Governor already handled this"); and from NC Senate Majority Leader Basnight's spokesman ("...we are already working on this issue.")
Interesting that both of these eminent personages decided to use a spokesperson, rather than directly addressing the situation themselves. But... "Already?"
Give me a break. Do you wait until your store has been robbed a hundred times before you buy an alarm system? How many years has this been going on? "Already?" Bah.
Myrick threatens N.C. funds
Bill denies states money if driver's licenses issued to illegal immigrants
TIM FUNK AND DIANNE WHITACRE
Staff Writers
WASHINGTON - Citing national security, Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte introduced legislation Wednesday that would deny North Carolina all its $890 million in federal highway money unless it stops issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Her bill targets six states that still accept taxpayer ID numbers from the Internal Revenue Service as proof of identity or residence by those seeking licenses. The others are West Virginia, Illinois, New Mexico, Kentucky and Utah, her office said.
Myrick, a Republican who is looking at a run for governor in 2008, focused on her home state -- particularly Democrats who run state government in Raleigh.
"Basically, we're here to call on the governor (Mike Easley) and the legislature in North Carolina to stop issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens," said Myrick, who was joined at a news conference by GOP Reps. Patrick McHenry of Cherryville and Virginia Foxx of Banner Elk.
In fact, the state is already heading in the direction Myrick wants.
"The governor already handled this," said Easley spokeswoman Sherri Johnson. At his direction, she said, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles worked with the General Assembly on a measure to stop allowing taxpayer IDs to obtain a license.
The state Senate approved it, and it's given a good chance of passing in the House when the legislature returns in May.
Given that forecast, Myrick's action Wednesday drew a rebuke from the office of N.C. Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, D-Dare.
"For her to threaten our transportation dollars is short-sighted considering that we are already working on this issue," said spokesman Tony Caravano.
The federal share represents about a quarter of North Carolina's $3.6 billion transportation budget.
But Myrick's office said it would push the Washington bill until the state law is signed.
"Right now, (the law) hasn't changed," said Myrick spokesman Andy Polk. "If they don't handle it, we'll have to take care of it up here."
Myrick said her bill probably won't get considered until next year.
DMV commissioner George Tatum said 25,957 N.C. applicants signed affidavits last year seeking to use the taxpayer ID. That was down from 41,977 in 2003, and reflects tougher restrictions the state imposed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Myrick's immigration legislation, her third such bill this year, targets an issue that has angered her base of conservative supporters. She has taken a tougher stand on illegal immigration since the death of Mount Holly teacher Scott Gardner, who was killed in July when his car was struck, police said, by an intoxicated illegal immigrant who had five driving while impaired charges.
North Carolina is home to an estimated 300,000 people in the country illegally. For them, a driver's license is more than just legal authorization to drive. It's a government-approved ID, complete with a picture. Flashing this prized possession can make it easier to keep a job, cash a check or find a place to live.
The state's tightening of driver's license rules after 9-11 was not enough, Myrick and others say.
"Our feeling is that a driver's license is a privilege for citizens and legal aliens and it shouldn't be something given to somebody who broke the law," Myrick said.
Illegal immigrants will keep driving and won't leave the state just because they can't get a license, said Elisa Rodriguez, chair of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Charlotte.
They will not be able to buy car insurance without a driver's license, so more uninsured drivers will be on the road, she said.
In July, state auditor Les Merritt said North Carolina has become a magnet for illegal immigrants because it is easier to get a driver's license here than in neighboring states.
South Carolina does not accept a tax ID and requires proof that applicants are here legally.
Myrick's bill would take a different route than the Real ID Act, a federal law passed this year that requires states to verify people are in the U.S. legally before issuing a driver's license. If a state does not comply with that act by 2008, its residents would not be able to board a plane or receive a passport.
Myrick said her concern was national security, not Hispanics in low-paying jobs.
"Our main concern is: Who's in our state?"
Did Easley put his foot down with the Knight Ridder? Sometimes it makes you wonder if they aren't beholden to our corrupt Governor and his musclemen.
I'm skeptical of Myrick's claims about Al qaeda being caught on our southern border. Have you heard any verification from any sources on this?
Because the labor market is really hurting in the US right now. Well, it's great in business-friendly states anyway; a few states are still stuck in the 60's and getting burned.
Good on her. But she can add Ct to the list as well.
You may be right on...she gets to grandstand with a bill that has little hope of passing.
I have heard Sue Myrick on local talk radio programs as a guest. I believe she is doing more than grandstanding but has sincerely espoused this cause. A man from this area (and her Congressional district), while on vacation on the coast, was killed by a drunk driver ... an illegal alien who had been arrested numerous times and just slapped on the wrist repeatedly. She has been quite outspoken at the outrage that not only did this man possess an NC driver's license but that he should have been deported several years ago.
No. Have you called her office to get the details? Maybe McHenry or Foxx have details.
I just left a message about it with Myrick's press secretary and asked him to call me. The office receptionist had not heard anything about it.
Bets on if I get a call back?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.