The New York State Senate passed a bill on Monday which would effectively allow for an estimated 940,000 undocumented immigrants in New York, the third-largest population in the country, to apply for a valid US driver’s license. The bill was sponsored by Democratic Senator Luis Sepúlveda, who celebrated with his two fists raised over his head while a crowd of activists cheered from afar.
Many of the undocumented migrants find trouble getting by on their day to day. A driver’s license makes a huge difference in terms of safety and quality of life, for it provides people with an ID required for applications such as registering children at school and opening bank accounts. A driver’s license also provides safety for drivers to get from A to B. Driving without a license will automatically lead to paying huge fines that could be a huge financial hit to any household. (Bear in mind that not driving at all is not a realistic option for many workers.)
While some anti-immigration opponents argue that this measure favors “criminals” over law-abiding citizens, the new bill benefits everyone. Supporters of the bill believe it would reduce hit-and-runs from drivers who would otherwise be encouraged to flee a scene, in fear that consequences of a minor incident might lead to huge fines, arrests, or even deportation. The measure could also drive down insurance rates for all New Yorkers and generate a yearly revenue of $50 million for the State of New York.
@senatorparkerThe bill passed with just one more vote than the minimum needed, 33 to 29, thanks in large part to pro-immigrant campaigns and a now strong progressive wing of Democrats in the New York State legislative branch. The history of immigrants and driver’s license goes back to a post-9/11 reform that required a Social Security number to apply for a license, this reversal is therefore the first progressive step in nearly two decades.
@maketheroadny
However, others fear that by applying for a US document and therefore providing personal information, a database of undocumented migrants would be created, thereby exposing themselves to the federal government. If the federal government is progressive enough to welcome immigrants, then this could help them. If, however, the federal government is hostile towards immigrants, like say, the Trump Administration, this database could actually hurt them instead.
New York’s bill, said state attorney general Letitia James, afforded “ample protections” for immigrants. It’s also important to note that these licenses would not provide a path to citizenship.Twelve states and Washington, D.C. already allow undocumented immigrants to drive, while New Jersey is currently discussing a similar proposal.
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