Advocates Call for Drivers’ Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

May 9th, 2018

Advocates for immigrant communities and state lawmakers held a rally at the Capitol last week to push for allowing undocumented residents to obtain drivers’ licenses.

The Green Light NY coalition called on state lawmakers to approve the Driver License Access and Privacy Act (A.10273, Crespo), which would enable undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers’ licenses. Currently, 12 states and Washington D.C. allow residents to apply for drivers’ licenses regardless of their immigration status.

Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said:

“Our legislature needs to pass Assemblymember Crespo’s landmark bill to allow all New Yorkers to move safely– on our roads and in their lives. When this bill is enacted, it will be a major step for New York’s immigrants, who will be able to drive to and from work, open bank accounts, sign up for car insurance, and feel less afraid when reporting crime. We look forward to working with our state and the Governor on the road ahead.”