Bush backs barring licenses for illegals

WASHINGTON — President Bush threw his support Wednesday behind a bill to deny drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants, and the House is poised today to vote on the controversial measure.

Bush's endorsement came as Southern California's delegation squared off over the bill that would set minimum national standards on drivers' licenses. The legislation by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., also would make it easier to deport immigrants seeking political asylum and expedite completion of a U.S./Mexico border fence near San Diego.

In a statement, the White House said it "strongly supports" Sensenbrenner's bill "to protect against terrorist entry into and activities within the United States."

Yet the heated, daylong deliberation of the REAL ID Act consisted mostly of partisan accusations and barbs over the measure's implications for national security, as well as America's reputation as a haven for those fleeing persecution.

"This is an issue that Democrats and Republicans alike can come together on to ensure that we do secure our borders," said Rep. David Dreier, R-Glendora.

Under the bill, states must see proof of an applicant's citizenship or legal U.S. status before issuing a license, and note that status clearly on each card.

While states would technically still be allowed to issue drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants, those licenses would not be valid for boarding planes or entering federal buildings.

"The goal of the REAL ID Act is straightforward. It seeks to prevent another 9-11-type terrorist attack by disrupting terrorist travel," Sensenbrenner said.

The House is widely expected to pass the bill although it faces opposition in the Senate.

Supporters said the bill would help put safeguards on a system that currently allows terrorists and criminal aliens to enter the United States through easily obtainable identification documents.

"Each day, thousands of people illegally enter the United States. They know how to get across, they know how to get a driver's license. And, if they're caught, they even know how to rig our legal system to stay in the country," said Rep. Chris Cox, R-Newport Beach, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Area Democrats agreed that America's immigration system needs to be reformed, but they assailed the bill as an attack on immigrants.