U.S: NY Approves Driver's Permits For Undocumented Immigrants

A protester holds a sign as members of the state Assembly speak in favor of legislation of the Green Light Bill granting undocumented Immigrant driver's licenses during a rally at the state Capitol Monday, June 17, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. Photo Credit: Hans Pennink, AP

New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed on Monday a law enabling undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's permits, a significant victory for liberals and advocates for immigrant rights.

The law, known as the Green Light Bill, extends to an estimated 265,000 undocumented New Yorkers access to driver's licenses. Supporters claim it will create safer roads, boost government income, and keep families together by stopping the transformation of traffic violations into deportations.

“This is life-changing, and we are proud to stand on the right side of history because every New Yorker should have the opportunity to contribute to their economies and communities without fearing that they will be separated from their family because of a routine traffic stop,” Eddie A. Taveras, state immigration manager for the advocacy group FWD.us, said in a statement.

The bill, backed by immigrant rights groups and some prominent Democrats, passed the state Assembly last week.

But it faced opposition from within the party as well. The chairman of the New York State Democratic Party, Jay Jacobs, said he warned Long Island’s Democratic senators earlier this month against supporting the Green Light Bill because of potential political consequences, Gothamist reported.




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