Homeland Security chief orders review of state laws allowing driver’s licenses for illegal aliens

By Jason Hopkins

Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ordered a review of state laws that allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses and restrict data sharing with federal immigration authorities.

Wolf on Tuesday ordered all of the components of DHS to conduct a department-wide review of the state laws to determine how they affect their day-to-day operations, according to a memo obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. The DHS chief’s directive indicates he is prepared to take aim against the state laws.

New York DMV

DHS spokeswomen Heather Swift: “These types of laws make it easier for terrorists and criminals to obtain fraudulent documents and also prevent DHS investigators from accessing important records that help take down child pornography and human trafficking rings and combat everything from terrorism to drug smuggling.”

“Accordingly, I am instructing each operational component to conduct an assessment of the impact of these laws, so that the Department is prepared to deal with and counter these impacts as we protect the homeland,” Wolf’s memo read.

The memo follows implementation of New York’s “Green Light” law, and passage of a similar bill in New Jersey in December. Both laws not only allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, but also restrict DMV data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.

In New York, in particular, numerous county clerks have expressed reservation over the fact that illegal aliens can obtain a driver’s license with foreign documentation — arguing that such a policy paves the way for voter fraud, identity theft, and even terrorism. DHS had already voiced its opposition to a provision in the New York law that prohibits Homeland security Investigations, a division of ICE, from accessing DMV information — even if the agency is investigating serious crimes.

“Laws like New York’s greenlight law have dangerous consequences that have far reaches beyond the DMV,” DHS spokeswomen Heather Swift said Tuesday. “These types of laws make it easier for terrorists and criminals to obtain fraudulent documents and also prevent DHS investigators from accessing important records that help take down child pornography and human trafficking rings and combat everything from terrorism to drug smuggling.”

A total of 14 states allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses in the U.S.

Wolf’s memo ordered DHS agencies to assess the following: What DMV information is currently available and how is it accessed? How is the DMV information used in day-to-day operations? What are the security consequences and long-term impacts if information is limited?

The memo also directs agencies to seek solutions for any security consequences that arise from the state laws.

“Never before in our history have we seen politicians make such rash and dangerous decisions to end all communication and cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement,” Swift continued. “The Secretary is prepared to take every measure necessary to ensure the safety and security of the homeland and we look forward to the recommendations of our agents and officers in the field.”

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Image courtesy of New York DMV

6 thoughts on “Homeland Security chief orders review of state laws allowing driver’s licenses for illegal aliens

  1. This is going to open the door for criminals to use state issued licenses to further get their hand on more “authentic” documents. Once any kind of government ID or document is issued is carries with it a gateway to more misuse.

  2. Not only is time for a crackdown on illegals getting licensees, it’s
    time for NATIONAL VOTER ID.. if you can’t bother to get it tough
    scat no vote for you….and jail time for any trying to counterfeit a
    NVID…

  3. Good for Mr. Wolf. Those States that are usurping American National laws created decades ago to enforce the primary tenant that being an American Citizen has real meaning, should be subject to huge, debilitating consequences. My God, I cannot believe where this country has gotten to when there is even a debate about the so-called “rights” of a person in this country illegally.
    Sadly, it shores up my belief that there is a “Universal Socialism” at work where the goal is to have no borders at all and, of course, then there will be a “Committee” selected by the few to govern the many because, after all, “they” are so much smarter than you and I!

  4. So New York wants to hand out driver licenses to ” Illegals ” knowing that they will follow
    obey the rules ” Laws ” of the road.

    Oh wait there ” Illegal “, so they don’t follow our laws, Nah, they shouldn’t have a problem !!

    • Some states issue driver’s licenses with meet Federal standards. Passing through airport security is one. Not sure that’s a good idea. The Feds should STOP this practise.

    • The NY illegals will be in VT, it’s a given as sure as VT has taxes. The Libs in Montpelier will do the same if not already done. Inclusive within the illegals is the criminal element, MS-13 gangs. They are in NY (many arrested on Long Island) and they are in MA. Border states.

      To a seat warmer in Montpelier, it’s a worm comfy feeling to assist / help the downtrodden foreigners. It’s mainly that Chittenden County mindset again.

      Is there a mechanism to impeach or some way NOW to throw out these derelicts before they cause more harm? If a survey was taken, I’m sure the majority would signify NOT to allow illegals to have driver licenses (and therefore the right to vote).

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