Left to Right: TBI Director Mark Gwyn, Interim Commissioner Gerald Nicely, and Tennessee Homeland Security Director David Mitchell announce changes implemented to the Certificate for Driving program.

Nashville, Tennessee --- The Department of Safety will immediately halt the issuance of Certificates for Driving to people who cannot prove they have legal presence in the U.S.

"It's clear from talks with law enforcement authorities that there are issues with this program that need to be addressed. The only responsible course of action is to suspend the program while we determine the next steps," said Governor Phil Bredesen.

Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely echoed the Governor's sentiments. "This program was a good idea in theory," he said. "But there have been issues with implementation. I want to give it a thorough review to ensure that we are doing what's best for Tennesseans." Governor Bredesen has asked TBI Director Mark Gwyn and Tennessee Homeland Security Director David Mitchell to work with Nicely on the review process.

Nicely says internal issues at the Department of Safety also make the change a prudent move at this time. "The department may undergo significant changes in the next year," he said. "Putting the program on hold allows us to move forward while we examine this issue more closely."

Certificates for Driving will still be available to people with work visas and student visas, which meet the standard for legal presence in the United States. The department will also work with legislators on a measure that would allow persons with legal presence to obtain regular driver licenses good for the length of their stay in the U.S.

No CFDs will be issued to anyone between today and March 5th, to give the department time to train employees on who is still eligible for the certificates, and what documentation will be required. Certificates will be issued to eligible applicants beginning Monday, March 6th.

Nicely added, "The bottom line is this: immigration is essentially a federal issue. But ensuring the security of Tennesseans is a state issue, and it's one that both the Governor and I take very seriously."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.