Dozens rally at DMV for licenses for undocumented immigrants

Supporters claim the "Green Light New York" bill would make roads safer and boost the economy.

News 12 Staff

Jun 7, 2019, 11:25 PM

Updated 1,797 days ago

Share:

Dozens of people rallied Friday in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles' Hauppauge location in support of the so-called "Green Light New York" bill, which would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.
Supporters claim the legislation would make New York's roads safer and boost the economy.
Under the proposal, undocumented immigrants would be able to use a foreign ID to apply for a driver's license. The license would not be Real ID compliant and would read "not for federal purposes."
The controversial bill cleared a state Assembly committee this week and is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled Assembly if it's brought to a floor vote. But its passage is more uncertain in the state Senate, where it faces strong opposition from Republicans like state Sen. Phil Boyle of Bay Shore.
And Jay Jacobs, the chairman of both the state and Nassau County Democratic Party, says that while he backs the measure, he warns Long Island senators they could end up losing their seat if they OK the bill. He says the issue is too unpopular on Long Island.
Earlier this week, state Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan railed against the proposed law.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
New York's legislative session ends June 19.


More from News 12
2:55
Police: Walmart truck strikes overpass, causes traffic nightmare on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Walmart truck strikes overpass, causes traffic nightmare on Meadowbrook Parkway

2:02
Chance for showers for next few days with cooler temperatures

Chance for showers for next few days with cooler temperatures

2:57
Pro-Palestinian rally takes place at Stony Brook University campus

Pro-Palestinian rally takes place at Stony Brook University campus

1:22
Police: Queens woman punched 71-year-old man at Esplanade of Woodmere

Police: Queens woman punched 71-year-old man at Esplanade of Woodmere

1:42
Town gives Family Service League 45 days to shut down West Babylon homeless shelter

Town gives Family Service League 45 days to shut down West Babylon homeless shelter

1:49
DA announces indictment of 2 alleged suspects in LI auto theft operation

DA announces indictment of 2 alleged suspects in LI auto theft operation

2:47
Suffolk law enforcement works with Amazon to prevent illegal contraband from getting into county jail

Suffolk law enforcement works with Amazon to prevent illegal contraband from getting into county jail

0:15
20-year-old man accused of breaking into home in Riverhead

20-year-old man accused of breaking into home in Riverhead

2:09
Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

Exclusive look at field and stadium built for Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park

0:26
Riverhead police rescue 5 from boat in Peconic Bay; drone used to track boat

Riverhead police rescue 5 from boat in Peconic Bay; drone used to track boat

1:34
Flip Circus comes to Smith Haven Mall, Walt Whitman Shops

Flip Circus comes to Smith Haven Mall, Walt Whitman Shops

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

1:27
What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

What's Cooking: Uncle Giuseppe's quiche lorraine

2:33
Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS sweethearts killed in Washington accident

0:19
Police: Man shot during argument in Mt. Sinai

Police: Man shot during argument in Mt. Sinai

0:26
Lindenhurst man sentenced to up to 40 years behind bars for burning women with clothing iron

Lindenhurst man sentenced to up to 40 years behind bars for burning women with clothing iron

2:27
Huntington Town Board hosts second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

Huntington Town Board hosts second public hearing on walkable downtown in Melville

1:38
Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

Sand delivered to Tobay Beach as crews work on opening access to the beach

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

2:23
Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park

Main Street Long Island: Showcasing the best of Massapequa Park