U.S. Border Control

Clinton backs N.Y. governor's plan to give drivers licenses to illegals

November 1, 2007

Hillary Clinton has announced her support of a plan by New York Governor Eliot Spitzer of to offer driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. The statement came after she appeared tripped up by a question on the subject in Tuesday night's Democratic debate.

"Senator Clinton supports governors like Governor Spitzer who believe they need such a measure to deal with the crisis caused by this administration's failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform," her campaign said in a statement. "As president, her goal will be to pass comprehensive immigration reform that would make this unnecessary."

The statement sought to clarify her support for Spitzer's unpopular plan, after her first serious stumble of the campaign. Clinton, and aides pressed by reporters after the debate, had been unable to say whether she supported Spitzer's plan.

Spitzer's plan met resistance from advocates for tougher immigration laws and, according to a report cited in yesterday's New York Times from the US Department of Homeland Security. On Friday, Spitzer came forward with a more modest plan with tiered levels of state-issued driver identification. Those without legal papers would receive a license that will allow them to drive but not serve as identification for traveling by plane.