Could an effort allowing New York’s undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses finally cross the finish line this year? Advocates believe so. “Groups pressing for the driver's license bill are far more organized than 12 years ago,” The Buffalo New reports, “using rallies at the Capitol, social media and grassroots efforts to press the measure into law.”
Under that proposal, New York would join one dozen states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in allowing undocumented residents to apply for a driver’s license, take a road test, become insured, and drive legally on the roads that we all share. While an effort over a decade ago “sputtered and died,” the momentum—and the politics—have changed since then.
“Albany is now ruled entirely by Democrats after the party won control of the State Senate in last fall’s elections,” The Buffalo News continues, and “Liberal Democrats have been flexing their political muscles throughout the session, and for many Democrats in the Legislature the driver's license bill is just another box to be checked as ‘done’ before the 2019 session ends June 18.” Aiding advocates is a victory in the recent passage of the New York Dream Act, which allows undocumented youth to access state financial aid and scholarships for college. It was a victory years in the making.
When it comes to licenses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo “says he will sign the license bill if the Legislature passes it, though he is not expending much public energy to make it happen relative to other issues he has wanted this session.” The proposal’s supporters, however, are pushing hard, this past May Day taking to the streets to support licenses for all. Thousands turned out for similar actions in Wisconsin and New Jersey, which also now has Democratic governors.
It’s common sense to have more people insured and driving legally, but it also represents a whole lot more than just a piece of plastic, particularly in the Trump era. Construction worker Aldo told The New York Times that his undocumented status makes driving to work and taking his son to school risky. They live in a predominately white neighborhood, and police “know you don’t have a license, and you’re fearful.” After years of inaction, it’s time to bring some ease to the lives of people like Aldo.