New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Tuesday abandoned his controversial plan to issue special driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
"I can confirm that the governor intends to withdraw his plan," Spitzer spokeswoman Jennifer Givner said Tuesday night.
Assemblyman Peter Rivera (D-Bronx) criticized the governor, saying, "He created a tremendous amount of hope and now he has let the air out of that hope. I certainly hope this does not help him in the polls. It's a tremendous blow to all immigrants. I supported him until I saw his backbone disappear."
But Rep. Vito Fossella (R-S.I.) said, "This is good news for the security of New York and the nation. A secure license is key to a safer New York. New York should not be issuing licenses that compromise our safety."
Spitzer's cave-in came as a Siena College poll found his job approval rating has dropped to a low of 33 percent and that only one of four respondents said they would reelect him.
Spitzer will meet Wednesday in Washington with New York's congressional delegation, many of whom have openly opposed the program.
The controversy has even hurt Democratic presidential front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton, who has been hammered for failing to take a firm stance on the issue.
The governor's office indicated that Spitzer will tell the New York lawmakers that he is shelving the plan and that immigration is a federal issue to be handled by Washington, congressional aides said.
Source: Xinhua
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