More than 50 percent of New Yorkers oppose giving undocumented immigrants the right to have driver’s licenses, according to a recent survey released by Sienna College.
Green Light bill will help New York improve public safety
On Monday, Gov. Cuomo signed the Green Light bill into law after Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that it has “safeguards” and it “cannot be weaponized to be used against undocumented individuals.”
The Governor was concerned that immigration authorities could use the information collected from driver’s licenses applications to deport undocumented immigrants.
Alphonso David, the Governor’s Counsel said, “The key to this bill is not the political intent but the legal effect. We hope the Attorney General’s assessment is correct for the safety of the thousands of undocumented individuals who are relying on her legal opinion.”
On the other hand, State Senator Luis Sepúlveda, the sponsor of the bill, commented, “This legislation will not only provide undocumented immigrants with a legal solution to obtain a driver’s license, but its positive impacts will include significant economic growth, improved road safety, and it will keep hardworking families together. Millions of dollars will be raised in revenue, auto insurance premiums will decrease, and local economies will see a boom as earnings and spending increase.”
