LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drivers come out of the shadows

Posted

To the editor:

(re: “Green light bill expands licenses to immigrants,” June 20)

Until recently, for as many as 800,000 undocumented New Yorkers, a trip to pick up a child from school, or buy groceries to feed their family, meant the chance that a routine traffic stop could lead to arrest, and even deportation — and separation from their family. Because undocumented residents were ineligible to apply for a driver’s license, and because so many New Yorkers live in areas that have virtually no public transit options, accomplishing everyday tasks meant putting their families at risk.

But now, thanks to the bold leadership of senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Sen. Luis Sepulveda and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo — champions for the Driver’s License Access & Privacy Act, or “Green Light NY” bill — our immigrant communities will soon be able to drive without fear. The law will make it possible for every New Yorker, regardless of immigration status, to undergo a driver’s education, pass a road test, and earn a license.

With this obstacle gone, undocumented New Yorkers can, at last, engage fully with their communities, contributing to small businesses and their local economies. Moreover, the law makes our roads safer, ensuring every driver is properly trained, licensed and insured.

We are safer and more prosperous because of Sen. Stewart-Cousins, Sen. Sepulveda and Assemblyman Crespo’s tireless leadership and willingness to fight on behalf of the rights of every New Yorker. And this victory will make it possible for hundreds of thousands of immigrant families to come out of the shadows.

Florence Dempsey

 

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Florence Dempsey,

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