GOP calls for immediate repeal of Green Light

Johnson Newspaper Corporation

ALBANY — Senate Democrats rejected a measure Republicans brought to the floor Tuesday to repeal the state’s controversial Green Light law, saying the legislation that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses is dangerous.

More than a dozen Republican senators stood in front of a large banner with a prominent photo of a bright, red stoplight and the capitalized words “NO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS” during a press conference at the state Capitol late Tuesday morning.

“We didn’t believe in it then, and we don’t believe in it now,” said State Senate Minority Leader Sen. John Flanagan, R-2. “New York is the only state that has adopted any kind of policy like this.”

New York is one of 13 states to adopt legislation that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The state’s law was first approved last June, and took effect in mid-December.

Tuesday marked leading Republicans’ second press conference about Green Light this week. Flanagan, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, R-120, and U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-23, led a conference about the law’s threat to public safety Monday afternoon immediately following a briefing with the Office of Homeland Security, federal security officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Critics of the state’s Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, nicknamed the Green Light law, have slammed a provision that prevents the Department of Homeland Security and other border protection agencies from accessing the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles records. Earlier this month, DHS suspended New York residents from applying for or renew their enrollment in certain Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry because of the law’s block on sharing DMV records.

Federal representatives warned state lawmakers during Monday’s briefing that Green Light has jeopardized the agencies’ abilities to protect the nation and New York, Flanagan said.

“The only thing that gets a Green Light under this bill is lawlessness,” the Senate minority leader said. “The lessons of 9/11 led to data sharing between law enforcement agencies, which is now stopped because of Democrats. CBP, ICE and DHS apprehend individuals who commit the worst types of crimes in our country, and yet, they are hindered from accessing a tool that is the first step in every investigation.”

State Sen. George Amedore, R-46, who represents Greene County, attended Tuesday’s press conference to show his support for the law’s repeal, he said.

“There’s extreme consequences the public will have to pay if this law continues,” Amedore said. “This law takes away transparency from our law enforcement officials that prevents them from evaluating, investigating and allowing these professionals to uphold their oath of office and well being to protect all citizens, and that’s a great concern of mine.”

Twin County Republican lawmakers stand in agreement with their colleagues in the Senate minority that Green Light is a public safety issue.

“I strongly oppose the Green Light law and continue leading the fight in the New York State Senate against it; first as a bad bill, and now as a terrible law,” said Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-43. “The Green Light Law rammed through by Gov. Cuomo and the Albany Democrats gives a green light to danger, voter and ID fraud, and, because New York state refuses to share DMV information with ICE and Customs and Border Protection, puts the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk.”

Jordan said the law must be repealed for the sake of public safety.

“The Green Light Law takes New York state back to a pre-9/11 mentality, which is dangerous and destructive,” the senator said. “We need to repeal this atrocious law in its entirety. While we’re working toward a complete repeal, there is an urgent need to amend the law so New York State DMV information can be shared with ICE and Customs and Border Protection Officers charged with protecting our borders and safeguarding our homeland.”

Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-102, attended Monday’s briefing with the Office of Homeland Security, federal security officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

“It’s appalling,” Tague said. “I’ve been speaking against this from the very moment the bill crossed my desk. This is a massive public safety issue. Federal agents who are trying to keep us safe are hamstringed from their mission. The fact that we are having this discussion while their cases sit cold is honestly deeply troubling. The Democrats who forced this bill through need to step up and come to the table. Law enforcement’s role is to protect New Yorkers and Americans, and they’re being locked out. Enough is enough. Stop with the partisan games and let those who protect us do their jobs.”

Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-106, did not return multiple requests for comment about the law.