N.Y. divided over illegals' driving rights

NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The recent decision by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer to allow illegal immigrants to get driver licenses has drawn its fair share of criticism, a report said.

The Washington Times reported Saturday that while Spitzer has staunchly defended his decision on the issue, many of his fellow New York politicians have strongly criticized the move.

Among those opponents are current and former New York City mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani, who joined in this week's criticism of Spitzer's order.

"Gov. Spitzer should not give licenses to illegals," Gulian, a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, said Tuesday. "It doesn't make sense."

Former Navy secretary John F. Lehman even labeled Spitzer's order, which is to go into effect in December, as a possible point of exploitation for al-Qaida militants and other criminals.

"It's a perfect formula for al-Qaida. They won't be able to resist it. They will be able to come to New York," said Lehman, who was a member of the Sept. 11 commission. "It's going to become a magnet to lawbreakers because the surrounding states will adhere to the federal standards."