Politicos support ‘3-in-1’ license

Gov, Janet Napolitano is proposing that Arizona join forces with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to create a “3-in-1” driver’s license that would serve as a secure document verifying a person’s legal status.

The license, which would require legislative approval, would fulfill future requirements for the proposed national identification system RealID, said Napolitano in a statement. It would also be beneficial for those seeking employment in Arizona who now have to face the strict identification requirements imposed by the employer sanctions law.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said he supports the proposal and would work to enhance it. He said fewer documents should be acceptable as forms of ID on driver’s license applications. Pearce also wants more training for Department of Motor Vehicle clerks so they can better recognize fake documents.

“Unfortunately, there’s a fraudulent document industry out there that’s producing some real good looking documents,” Pearce told The Associated Press.

Napolitano spokeswoman Jeanine L’Ecuyer said it was not known how much the new cards would cost state residents, except that it would be more than a driver’s license. The added cost would pay for the program, she said.

The call for the 3-in-1 license comes as House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, says a new group will be formed to review the controversial employer-sanctions law passed in June.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Arizona Businesses and Illegal Immigration, created by Weiers, is composed of Arizona business owners, law enforcement officers, and human resource personnel.

Business leaders across the state have criticized the new law that would prohibit employers from knowingly hire illegal immigrants, which would go into effect Jan. 1. Opponents say the penalties are too severe and that some aspects of the legislation are unconstitutional. The director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security released a statement Sunday, warning that it may lead to an increase in identity theft.

“This committee gives Arizona businesses a public forum to discuss their concerns about the law and make recommendations to better implement the law,” Weiers said in a statement.

State Rep. Marian McClure, who represents Green Valley, says she supports the law, even though it needs clarification and revision. “The federal government didn’t act, and clearly we have to do something. We have no clue who comes across the border and what their intentions are, and it’s dangerous to say the least.”

“I don’t think anyone in the legislature has a closed mind about making the law better,” said McClure. “It’s a good idea to let all the various groups that would be affected by it meet to see what they come up with.”

The past few months have seen highly publicized opposition to the employer sanctions law. The Arizona Contractors Association teamed up with the Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform in July to file a lawsuit. They were soon followed by a group of local business leaders, including Tucson car dealer Jim Click, who formed the Wake Up Arizona! Coalition to challenge the measure.

But supporters say that the law, despite its flaws, is needed to stem the tide of illegal immigration in Arizona.

“This law will do more to impact illegal immigration than any action taken to date, and I want to make sure it does not negatively impact law-abiding businesses,” Weiers said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.