WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that she is a cosponsor of new legislation in the House of Representatives to close loopholes through which states issue drivers licenses and identification cards to illegal aliens.

“National security depends on the ability of state and local governments to control the issuance of these important documents,” Emerson said.  “When drivers licenses and ID cards get into the hands of illegal immigrants, suddenly there are opportunities to open bank accounts, rent cars or apartments, purchase firearms and commit voter fraud.  A drivers license may also make it more difficult for an employer to check the legal status of their employees for work.”

Emerson also cited the contradiction of knowingly issuing a state identification card to an illegal alien who has already broken the law to take up residence in the U.S.

“By issuing licenses and IDs to illegals, all we are doing is enabling the disregard for the laws of our land.  That’s the wrong message to send to anyone in any country of the world who dreams of coming here through the legal process to seek a better life and greater opportunities.  We have a strong tradition of legal immigration to America, but handing out identifications to illegal residents undermines that tradition,” Emerson said.

The bill also directly addresses the national security risk posed by loopholes and gaps in state laws pertaining to illegal immigrants.  Emerson pointed out that the 19 terrorists who hijacked airplanes on September 11, 2001 had been issued multiple identifications.

“Clearly some illegal residents of the U.S. are more dangerous than others.  Terrorists who set out to exploit the system and maintain an illegal presence in the U.S. have a very easy time doing so when the lax enforcement of our laws provides them with access and opportunities to do harm to Americans,” said Emerson.  “We cannot afford to continue to let this happen.”

The bill addresses one of the major concerns pointed out in the 9/11 Commission Report.