House Republican Press Release

June 6, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. Hamzy & Burns Introduce Measure Prohibiting Proposed New Haven ID Cards

HARTFORD – In response to passage this week of a measure by the New Haven Board of Aldermen creating a program of municipal identification cards with which the city’s estimated 15,000 illegal immigrants would be able to use to secure social services and open bank accounts, Deputy House Republican Leader William Hamzy (R-Plymouth) & Representative Ron Burns (R-Bristol) today introduced a measure on the floor of the State House of Representatives prohibiting the issuance of such a municipal card.  The measure was introduced as an amendment to House Bill 7434.

Under the provisions of the measure, no municipality would be allowed to adopt an ordinance issuing identification cards to an undocumented illegal immigrant for any purpose.  

“New Haven probably violated federal law when they passed their ID card ordinance,” said Representative Hamzy.  “At this stage the state has a responsibility to step in with a statewide policy prohibiting the issuance of official identification cards to illegal and undocumented aliens.  If New Haven wants to suddenly have a foreign policy and immigration policy separate from that of the United States, I think the state needs to step in and tell them no.”

By bringing out the amendment, Democratic leaders of the House tabled the bill in an attempt to avoid a vote on the measure.  Republicans objected, and Democrats averted debate and a vote on the measure on a party-line vote of 107-44.

Hamzy and Burns noted that they hoped state and federal authorities would examine the New Haven ID card proposal, to be certain it complied with state and federal law, and did not facilitate the breaking of the law.

“It’s unfortunate that House Democratic leadership chose to abdicate their responsibility, once again refusing to go on the record showing Connecticut voters their true position on a critical issue impacting the whole state,” added Representative Burns.

The 2007 session of the General Assembly concludes tonight at midnight.