New York has now restored driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrant residents, following passage of the “Green Light NY” bill in the state Senate and the governor’s signature Monday evening. Advocates who doubled-down on their efforts to restore driver’s licenses for immigrant communities following recent Democratic gains in the state legislature were ecstatic.
“When the last vote was cast just after 8:30 p.m.,” The New York Times reported, “immigration rights activists who had remained throughout the nearly four-hour debate erupted into cheers, forcing the Senate’s presiding officer to gavel them down.” Among them was Javier Valdés of Make the Road New York. ”It’s been an 18-year struggle,” he said. “The resilience of the immigrant community has shown through once again.”
Senate debate was loaded with bad faith arguments and just plain ignorance from Republicans, including claims that immigrants from other states would try to game the system or that clerks wouldn’t be able to verify international documents provided by residents. “They’re already being trained, already receiving funding,” countered state senator and co-sponsor, Luis Sepúlveda.
Other Republicans wondered aloud why the undocumented just don’t get legal status. If only it were that easy. “This debate has been quite outrageous today,” said Sen. Jessica Ramos. “I mean, be careful, your xenophobia is showing … it’s a shame that we—in 2019—really have to have a conversation with members of a party who adhere themselves to Christianity every chance they get—except for when it comes to love thy neighbor. I love my neighbor, I love each and every one of them, and for that reason I vote, ‘aye.’”
Once the law goes into effect in 180 days, New York will be the 13th state, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, to allow undocumented residents to drive legally. But it’s about so much more than driver’s licenses. It’s about parents being able to take their kids to school or the doctor without fear. It’s about the agricultural workers who feed New York being able to drive to and from work safely so they can return safely to their families. It’s about roads becoming safer for all. This bill is for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to all who made it happen.