October 20, 2008

Chairman Allan Polunsky
Texas Public Safety Commission
8000 Robert F. McDermott Freeway
San Antonio, TX 78230

Dear Chairman Polunsky,

We applaud the Texas Public Safety Commission for adopting 37 T.A.C. § 15.171. By verifying the citizenship and legal residency status of those who apply for a Texas Drivers License, you have taken important steps toward combating the growing fiscal and social costs of illegal immigration and protecting homeland security.

Ultimately, a Texas Drivers License confers upon the holder certain legal standing, allowing that individual to operate a motor vehicle, enter a federal building, board a plane, purchase tobacco and alcohol, or even cast a vote in federal, state, or local elections. It is imperative that 37 T.A.C. § 15.171 be enforced in order to prevent illegal immigrants from accruing the many legal benefits, and the legitimacy, that come with holding a Texas Drivers License.

Furthermore, 37 T.A.C. § 15.171 links the expiration date of Drivers Licenses held by legal non-citizens to the expiration date of their legal status, ensuring that those who overstay their visa can be identified accordingly.

We fully support implementation of 37 T.A.C. § 15.171 and in the 81st Legislative Session, we will offer legislation to codify the rule in statute. Until then, please continue to implement and enforce the new Drivers License rule. It is incumbent upon state leaders to secure publicly-issued identity documents; 37 T.A.C. § 15.171 helps achieve this important goal.

Sincerely,

State Representative Wayne Christian

State Representative Linda Harper-Brown

State Representative Leo Berman

State Representative Dan Flynn

State Representative Bryan Hughes

State Representative Phil King

State Representative Jodie Laubenberg

State Representative Geanie Morrison

State Representative Larry Taylor

State Representative Corbin Van Arsdale

State Senator Dan Patrick

State Representative Betty Brown

State Representative Myra Crownover

State Representative Joe Driver

State Representative Kelly Hancock

State Representative Patricia Harless

State Representative Charlie Howard

State Representative Jim Jackson

State Representative Thomas Latham

State Representative Jim Murphy

State Representative Rob Orr

State Representative Tan Parker

State Representative Debbie Riddle

State Representative John Zerwas

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