Driver's Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants On Dems' To-Do List

NEW YORK CITY HALL — Then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer drew fire from politicos and the public when he tried to give undocumented New Yorkers driver's licenses in 2007. But the controversial proposal is set for a comeback, with Democratic lawmakers pledging to pass it into law next year.

"It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, and the matter of when is January 2019 — period," said Assemblyman Victor Pichardo (D-Bronx). "We’re going to get this done."

Pichardo was among about 50 activists and politicians who pushed for the measure at a Monday rally outside City Hall. It would be one way for New York officials to back up their rhetoric supporting vulnerable immigrants, supporters say.

A bill proposed in Albany would create a "standard" driver's license that anyone could get without having to provide a Social Security number, as the current license application requires. Twelve states and the District of Columbia already have similar laws in place, said state Sen. Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx), one of the bill's sponsors.

Reyna Andreu, an undocumented member of the immigrant-rights group Make the Road New York, is the mother of a 6-year-old living on Long Island, where she said public transportation is limited. Having her own driver's license would help her get to school meetings more easily and let her drive without worrying about being pulled over and ticketed, she said.

"I would not have to waste time waiting on transportation," said Andreu, 22. "I could get around to doing day-to-day things faster, and I could be a more productive member in my community."

Advocates pushed for the license bill alongside the proposed New York State Dream Act, which would give undocumented immigrant students access public college tuition assistance if they meet certain criteria.

The proposals are among many Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats want to push through now that the balance of power has shifted in Albany. They had gotten stalled in the state Senate, which Democrats will take from Republicans once new lawmakers are seated in January.

But that hasn't stopped GOP lawmakers from fighting the driver's license measure. Three Republican senators joined U.S. Rep. Tom Reed in condemning it last month, with Sen. Catharine Young of Olean calling it "essentially a backdoor maneuver intended to allow those here illegally to vote in our elections."

"We have a duty and obligation to uphold and consistently enforce the rule of law," said Sen. Pam Helming (R-Canandaigua) in a statement. "This New York City driven legislation would create a pandora's box of problems and will not make our communities safer."

Cuomo's administration has said the governor supports allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses through legislation. A spokesman for the governor did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

Spitzer made several attempts at expanding access to driver's licenses. Some county clerks reportedly pledged not to issue them to undocumented immigrants — including former Erie County clerk and current Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has since changed her position.

Such opposition still exists, Sepulveda said, as "some areas of this state are probably more anti-immigrant than places in Mississippi." But he suggested passing legislation could force critical officials' hands.

"Once we make a law then they don’t have an option," Sepulveda said.

(Lead image: Politicians and activists rallied Monday in favor of a proposal to give New York driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Photo by Noah Manskar/Patch)