New York State Passes Bill Granting Driver’s Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants
In a historic move, the state of New York has passed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The legislation, known as the “Green Light Bill”, was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday, making New York the 13th state in the country to grant driver’s licenses to immigrants without legal status.
Proponents of the bill argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses will make the roads safer by ensuring that all drivers on the road are properly trained, licensed, and insured. They also argue that it will help undocumented immigrants who rely on cars to get to work, school, and healthcare appointments.
“This is a common-sense measure that will benefit everyone in our state,” said Governor Cuomo in a statement. “By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, we are ensuring that all drivers on the road are properly trained, licensed, and insured. This will help make our roads safer for everyone.”
However, the bill has faced fierce opposition from opponents who argue that it will encourage illegal immigration and pose a security risk. In a statement, the New York State Republican Party criticized the bill, saying that it “sends the wrong message to those who are in the country illegally.”
Despite the controversy, the bill passed the New York State Senate by a vote of 33-29 and the Assembly by a vote of 87-61. Governor Cuomo’s signature on the bill has made it official, and it is set to go into effect in the coming months.
Under the new law, undocumented immigrants will be able to apply for a standard driver’s license by providing proof of identity and New York residency. They will not be required to provide a social security number, making it easier for immigrants without legal status to apply.
In order to address concerns about security and fraud, the new driver’s licenses will be marked with the words “Not for Federal Purposes” to indicate that they cannot be used for federal purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles will not store any information on immigration status or share it with federal immigration authorities.
The passage of the “Green Light Bill” has been hailed as a major victory for immigrant rights advocates in New York. “This is a huge step forward for our immigrant communities,” said Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. “By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, we are helping them access the opportunities and services they need to thrive in our state.”
The new law will go into effect in 180 days, giving undocumented immigrants time to prepare and apply for their driver’s licenses. It is estimated that up to 265,000 undocumented immigrants in New York could be eligible for a driver’s license under the new law.
Overall, the passage of the “Green Light Bill” is a significant milestone in the fight for immigrant rights in New York. By granting undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain driver’s licenses, the state is taking a crucial step towards ensuring their safety, mobility, and inclusion in society.
