The governor?s panel on immigration is strongly recommending giving driving privilege cards to illegal immigrants, sources say.

News 12 New Jersey has learned the panel was nearly unanimous in support of the proposal. Supporters say illegal immigrants provide vital services to the state despite their status and the need to drive is imperative.

?In New Jersey, unfortunately we don?t have a good public transportation system,? says Maria Juega, of the Latin American Legal Defense Fund. ?Therefore it becomes a necessity to drive.?

The Garden State has enacted tougher drivers? license regulation since Sept. 11. Residents need to present six points of ID, a social security card and proof of address to get a digital license that is hard to counterfeit.

Critics and opponents say the driving privilege cards could make safety an issue.

?There?s a security risk in giving an ID to someone when we don?t know that person?s background,? says Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.

A spokesperson for the immigration panel would not confirm the recommendation, but acknowledges it was discussed.