Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday alongside members of the Green Light NY coalition, a network of more than 200 organizations statewide including Make the Road New York and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), rallied local support behind the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act.
The bill would expand access to drivers’ licenses for all state residents, regardless of their immigration status.
“Today, across New York, there are so many fronts on which we are standing tall in support of our immigrant community and its rights, including the push to expand access to driver’s licenses. As a matter of public safety, as well as social justice and economic benefit, the time is now to pass this legislation in Albany,” said Adams.
The legislation (A.03675/S.01747) sponsored by State Senator Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx) and Assembly Member Marcos Crespo (D-Bronx), would improve public safety by promoting greater trust with local authorities and awareness of traffic laws, as well as benefit the economy through an estimated $57 million in combined annual revenue plus lower insurance premiums for all drivers.
Currently, 752,000 undocumented immigrant New Yorkers over the age of 16 are barred from obtaining driver’s licenses due to their immigration status. While more than 70,000 additional residents who currently have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are at risk of losing access to their driver’s licenses.
13 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico currently provide driver’s licenses to their residents regardless of immigration status.
Adams hosted the rally as part of his office’s own special observance of an Immigrant Day of Friendship on the plaza outside Brooklyn Borough Hall. Currently New York City is celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week, the annual celebration of immigrant New Yorkers, past and present.
State Senators Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend), Brian Kavanagh (D-Brooklyn Waterfront, Lower Manhattan) and Zellnor Myrie (D-Central brooklyn) alongside Assembly members Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook), Jo Anne Simon (D-Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill) and Mathylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) have also come out in support of the legislation, noting the need to make streets safer and protections to immigrant New Yorkers.
“By ensuring that all those who drive in our neighborhoods know the rules of the road, are properly licensed, and covered by insurance, we are also allowing families to earn their livelihoods, take their children to school, and become a part of their communities,” said Gounardes.
“It’s important to ensure that all New Yorkers, including undocumented immigrants, can obtain a driver’s license to get to work, take their children to school, and carry out many other basic tasks of daily life for which many people need a car. It’s the right thing to do and it will make our roads safer,” said Kavanagh.
“No one should have to overcome fear just to get to work, pick up their kids from school, or otherwise take care of their families. With this bill, we stand for our immigrants, their dignity, and their wellbeing,” said Myrie.
“Without a license, these New Yorkers will not be able to get to work, help their families, and contribute to the state’s economy. We’ve had great progress enacting major reforms in Albany this year. Providing driver’s licenses to our hard-working immigrants is a top priority I’ve been fighting to achieve for many years,” said Ortiz.
“By expanding driver education and licensing to more New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, our streets will be safer and drivers will be held accountable. Our immigrant neighbors provide a positive economic impact on our state’s economy and should be allowed to attain a driver’s license without fear of detention or arrest,” said Simon.
“Most adults are in need of this type of validation to attain jobs and live fully functional lives. I commend Borough President Adams for being such a strong proponent of this legislation that aims to both serve and protect the residents of New York,” said Frontus.
The bill has currently passed both the Senate and Assembly and will now head to the Governor’s desk for approval.
“Restoring access to driver’s licenses is critical to help protect our communities. New Yorkers should be able to take their children to school and drive to work without fear of being detained and separated from their loved ones,” said Yaritza Mendez, lead organizer at Make the Road New York.
