Providing illegals with DL's and worker ID's?

Question

I was given this question in class today:
There are often conflicts between the levels of government. For ex: The issue of education. What is another example of an issue that has become a problem because of differing ideas/laws from the state to the federal level?

And here's what I've got for an answer: (What do you think?)

The first thing that comes to mind on conflicting ideas/laws is the serious issue of illegal immigration - to be more specific, providing illegal aliens with worker ID's and Driver's Licenses. A Minnesota state senator and NY Governor, Eliot Spitzer, stated that they were in favor of providing worker ID cards to illegal immigrants. Providing them with valid identification, allowing them to board planes!

Here's where I'm going with this - There is no federal law that prohibits it! The vast majority of states are strongly opposing this, but as you know, Federal Law trumps state law.

Does it even pertain to the question? Please help!
Thanks.

O.K. I realize I wasn't making any sense at all. I re-did the paragraph. Tell me if it make sense now:
The first thing that comes to mind on conflicting ideas/laws is the serious issue of illegal immigration - to be more specific, providing illegal aliens with worker ID's and Driver's Licenses.

Here's where I'm going with this - Federal law already prohibits illegal aliens from being here, from working here, etc. If states are providing them with identification of any kind they are not following federal law. In fact, they are aiding and abetting criminal behavior.

Thank you Open thoughts

Also, a special thanks goes out to, Yo it's me!

Thanks again guys!

Answer 1

Federal law trumps state law in instances where federal law has jurisdiction.

The reality is that we already have laws that prohibit illegals from being here, from working here, etc. The very fact that they are here illegally is against federal law, so by proving them identification of any kind, the states are breaking laws by aiding and abetting criminal behavior.

goman...you are incorrect on that one. The very fact that they do not detain and deport if they were to come forth for the ID is aiding and abetting criminal activity. It is knowingly allowing a crime to continue. Sorry, your analogy does not work. By the way, I had a judge removed from the bench for not pursuing deportation of illegals. IT IS A LAW, and THEY MUST PURSUE THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW WHEN THEY KNOW THAT IT IS BEING BROKEN!

Answer 2

Actually you're misinterpreting the law. Federal law cannot stop a state from issuing identification or driver's licenses to whoever the state wishes, since this is an area of state jurisdiction. Of course, the federal government doesn't have to recognize the IDs, but they really can't stop the state from issuing them. In your example, the federal government decides who gets to board planes, and if they say illegal immigrants can't board planes, then they can't, ID or no ID.

You are right that it is an example because of differing ideas, though.

Answer 3

I would argue that by states providing driver's license to illegals they are in violation of federal immigration law. Today drivers license tomorrow voter fraud. Some of the 9/11 hyjackers had drivers licenses from Virginia. Giving them drivers licenses is just insane!

Answer 4

IT HAS TO DO WITH HELPING THEM. BY FEDERAL LAW, AND YES THERE IS ONE, YOU CANNOT KNOWINGLY HELP AN ILLEGAL TO MAKE MONEY, GIVE THEM A PLACE TO STAY,AND SO ON. THERE WAS A FEDERAL ATTORNEY THAT WAS ON A "CNN" PROGRAM THAT SAID THIS. NYS AND OTHER STATES WHO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN WILL BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL LAWS, AND POSSIBLE CUT-BACKS IN FEDERAL AID. THE REASON NYS WANTS TO GIVE THE LICENSE IS TO " LOWER THE INSURANCE RATES IN THE STATE", OF "9/11". AS OF NOW, THE GOVERNOR HAS NO SUPPORT IN THE LEGISLATOR OR THE PUBLIC. AND HERE IS ONE OTHER, SOON AFTER 9/11, IT IS MANDITORY IN NYS TO HAVE A SS# TO GET A LICENSE, AND ILLEGALS DO NOT HAVE ONE OF THOSE, LEGALLY.

Answer 5

The states can oppose giving drivers licenses since Federal Law doesn't require it. The problem with states giving drivers licenses are the state "motor voter" laws, that basically let anyone with a driver's license vote. Federal Law restricts voting in Federal elections (including Representatives and Senators) to U.S. citizens. See the problem? So Spitzer is effect granting Federal voting rights to none-citizens, he should be brought up on charges every time a none-citizen with one of his drivers licenses votes.

Answer 6

Federal law always usurps state law the question is not what the different states think but what do the majority of Americans think about the issue. If you believe in political efficacy politicians will vote a certain way IF enough people, Special Interest Groups, PAC's put pressure on them. Rights of illegal immigrants will always be a concern because of their effect on our economy. Here is something to think about though at one point in time everyone that came to this country was an "illegal alien", we took this land from the Native Americana's; which makes this argument sound very hypocritical in my opinion.

Answer 7

The only thread of continuity I can draw from the initial question and the otherwise ridiculous response is the common refrain between the two i.e. levels of government.

Perhaps this was some rather pathetic attempt to emphasize the power of the Federal government over am individual States rights.

Just my best guess - and I realize it's a "stretch."

Answer 8

There is no reason to give Id's or anything to illegals. In fact if they were to apply for such items, they might as well be deported, since that is the law. It's a stupid idea and just the first step in granting them amnesty.

Answer 9

yea thats a conflict in government that sounds good, you should also say that it makes people accountable for auto accidents and all that

Answer 10

i didnt understabd