Extending an aggressive political assault on illegal immigration, Gov. Pete Wilson on Tuesday endorsed a slate of bills that would make it harder for undocumented immigrants to obtain state services.

The bills would require proof of lawful U.S. residency for those seeking a driver's license or job training and would crack down on fraud in the state Medi-Cal health program for the poor.

Wilson's announcement at a Van Nuys news conference was the latest in a string of appearances by the governor designed to draw attention to the problems created by illegal immigration.

But this time, outside the Van Nuys office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Wilson took a new tack, focusing on steps the state can take to help deter illegal immigration, which until now he had insisted was a federal responsibility.

The change appeared to be designed to quell criticism that Wilson, in making immigration a major focus of his Administration, was simply trying to shift the blame for California's problems to the federal government, which is controlled by Democrats.

"While we must fight for federal reforms, we must also take action where we can on the state level to deter illegal immigration," Wilson said.

Wilson contends that it costs state taxpayers about $3 billion annually to provide education, health and welfare and services to illegal immigrants and their families and to imprison undocumented immigrants convicted of felonies.

Earlier this year, he sought $1.5 billion from the federal government to help defray the costs. And in a move two weeks ago that attracted national attention, Wilson proposed denying citizenship to children born in the United States to unlawful residents and curtailing most health and education services to those illegal immigrants.

Wilson's proposals have drawn fire from Democratic Party officials and advocates for immigrants' rights, some of whom acknowledge that the governor may have found an issue that will help him rise in the polls as he prepares to run for a second term next year.

"This is a transparent attempt to get votes by using a sensitive issue that touches a lot of nerves," said Charles Wheeler, directing attorney for the National Immigration Law Center. "He's fanning the flames of fear, frustration and, to some extent, prejudice. It's unfortunate."

But Wilson said Tuesday the bills he endorsed included measures written by two Republicans, a Democrat and an independent.