COMMUNITY VIEW

Alessandra Biaggi: Driver's licenses for undocumented New Yorkers can boost safety for all

Alessandra Biaggi

It’s been a busy first few weeks of 2019 for New York’s Legislature, and I’m proud to have been a part of what is already being hailed as the most productive session in state history. But we still have a lot of work to do. One bill, in particular, will reinforce New York’s reputation as a state that welcomes immigrants while simultaneously bolstering public safety and making New York’s economy equitable for hundreds of thousands of undocumented New Yorkers.

The Legislature is considering the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act — a bill that would grant undocumented New Yorkers the opportunity to take a driver’s test and be issued a valid New York State driver’s license.

It’s a policy that’s long overdue, not only because it’s the morally responsible thing for New York to pass, but also because it’s smart for New York’s safety and bottom line. Green Light NY, a coalition of groups from around New York, has been a major force supporting this bill.

Supporters of allowing undocumented immigrants get driver's licenses in New York rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

The Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that this bill would make it possible for 265,000 new drivers to take exams and be issued licenses, generating $57 million in annual revenue for the state — including $1.4 million for the Lower Hudson Valley alone. The same study estimated that as many as 97,000 new cars would be purchased and registered within three years, boosting the state’s auto industry by 2.7 percent.

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Practically speaking, for New Yorkers in rural and suburban areas, a car is a necessity, not a luxury; this is particularly critical for our agricultural sector. The lack of public transportation means that New Yorkers in these communities cannot travel to and from school, work or doctor’s appointments without a car. For undocumented New Yorkers, this makes economic mobility incredibly difficult, if not altogether impossible.

Further, public safety improves for everyone when all drivers can pass a variety of written knowledge and road tests, become licensed, purchase insurance and operate a properly licensed and registered vehicle.

Twelve other states — including California, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington — have already passed similar laws:

  • In New Mexico, after legislation was passed in 2003, the number of uninsured vehicles decreased nearly 24 percent, and the number of traffic fatalities fell 23 percent.
  • In Utah, the uninsured rate fell from 28 percent to just 8 percent.
  • Californians saved $3.5 million in out-of-pocket property damage expenses due to a significant reduction in annual hit-and-run incidents.

These results are proof positive that this measure will make our roads safer and protect New Yorkers both from traffic accidents and avoidable property damage costs.

Michael Balboni, a Republican who served Long Island in the state Senate and was the former top Homeland Security official for two governors, said driver’s license legislation would enable law enforcement to ensure the identity of more New Yorkers, and put New York on the path towards “the crucial concept in security: one person, one license.” The new licenses would also be clearly invalid for use in voter registration, with markings making clear that they cannot be used for any federal purposes (including even domestic air travel when new REAL ID regulations take effect in 2020). 

State Sen.-elect Alessandra Biaggi.

Undocumented New Yorkers already pay more than $1.1 billion in taxes each year, while being locked out of chances to seek better opportunities. This law will emphasize our commitment to creating an equal and accessible economy that recognizes the tremendous contributions immigrants have made and will continue to make. 

Creating a process for undocumented New Yorkers to apply for driver's licenses is smart, common sense legislation. New York has a long history of welcoming and providing opportunity for those in need, and I urge my fellow lawmakers to join me in passing this bill.

The writer is a member of the New York state Senate, representing District 34.