ALBANY, N.Y. (1010 WINS/AP) -- Immigrants from around New York state have rallied at the state Capitol to call on legislators to authorize driver's licenses for residents who entered the country illegally.Tuesday's event featured remarks from top lawmakers including Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, of the Bronx, who said his chamber would pass the legislation.
I'm proud to stand with my colleagues & these great advocates and say that the @NYSA_Majority will pass the #GreenLightNY bill. It's a no brainer. This bill will make our communities safer, our economy stronger and it is just the right thing to do. pic.twitter.com/Wj4sTtLtRk
— Carl E. Heastie (@CarlHeastie)
May 21, 2019 Giving everyone, including undocumented immigrants, access to driver’s licenses makes everyone safer. #GreenLightNY https://t.co/jL2cNXRZ0T
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon)
May 21, 2019 The measure remains deeply unpopular with some Republican lawmakers and no vote has been scheduled in either the Assembly or the Senate, both controlled by Democrats, with less than five weeks left in the legislative session.Supporters argue that licenses would help immigrants with everyday transportation, a particular challenge for those who work upstate agricultural jobs.Twelve states already permit driver's licenses for immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally.
