(AP) ? Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-N.Y.) has abandoned his plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

But he says the federal government had "lost control" of its borders and left states to deal with the consequences.

The governor introduced the plan two months ago with the goal of increased security, safer roads and an opportunity to bring immigrants "out of the shadows." Opponents charged the scheme would make it easier for would-be terrorists to get identification, and make the country less safe.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff called Spitzer's reversal on the license issue "a good development." Chertoff says immigration is a federal issue and he believes the government should ramp up enforcement. He says the states shouldn't be working at cross-purposes with Washington.