Illegal Aliens Queue Around the Block to Claim Driver's Licenses in New York
NY DMV offices overwhelmed on first day illegals can apply for documents
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On the first day illegal aliens were allowed to legally claim driver's licenses in New York, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices saw queues stretching around the block.
On Monday, DMV offices across New York were overwhelmed with license applicants from illegal immigrants.
Monday marked the first day in the state that illegal aliens were allowed to apply for a driver's license after the new Green Light Law came into effect.
DMV offices were bombarded with illegal immigrants seeking driver's licenses, the New York Daily News reported.
Hours-long waits were reported at locations flooded with long queues.
Some individuals left vowing to return the next day after being turned away by staff who were unable to cope with the demand, according to WNBC-TV.
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The Hill posted a video on Twitter showing one line of applicants wrapped around the block.
Many could be seen filing out the paperwork as they waited in the long lines.
Lines to apply for New York driver's licenses go as far as around the block on the first day undocumented immigrants can apply for them https://t.co/ez6Ca3jxbe pic.twitter.com/7ogsYdTPDb
— The Hill (@thehill) December 16, 2019
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) signed the legislation in June, and it went into effect Monday despite a number of legal challenges.
The move makes an estimated 260,000 illegal immigrants able to obtain driver's licenses in the state.
The bill, A03675B, also known as the "Driver's License Access and Privacy Act," passed the Democratically-controlled lower chamber of the New York State Legislature with a vote of 86-47.
The Democrat-led state Senate passed the bill in a 33-29 vote that was largely divided by party lines.
Under the new law, every resident in New York — regardless of legal status — may apply for a driver's license.
It expands the acceptable forms of identification to obtain a license, such as foreign passports and a foreign driver's license, according to CNN.
A social security number is not required.
Twelve other states and the District of Columbia also allow illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license.
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After the law came in effect Monday, New York Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steve Choi said in a statement:
“After waiting 18 years to have their right to drive restored, thanks to our legislature, New York can now officially join 12 other states in making driver’s licenses legally available to all residents."
"This is a major step forward for all New Yorkers as we keep building New York to live up to its full potential of equity, opportunity, and justice," said State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx).
"We also look forward to the significant economic and safety benefits the law will bring to communities across our state."
