Letter To The Editor: Open Drivers Licenses To Immigrants

To the Editor:

Here, in northern Westchester, a car is practically a necessity. Bus service, although regular, is not frequent and the stops are limited. Most of us have licenses to drive; some of our neighbors do not. This is not because they are unqualified or don’t know the rules of the road, but because they do not have social security numbers.

This was not always the case. Until 2002, when Governor Pataki imposed a new regulation, people in New York State needed only to show proof of residence and pass the written and driving tests. Governor Spitzer, during his brief time in office, rescinded the SSN requirement. However, the resistance to this move was considerable and the change was withdrawn.

Now, there is an opportunity to make this needed change for once and for all, through legislative action. Assembly Bill No. A10273, sponsored by 16 members, is presently in the Transportation Committee. The purpose of the bill is to open driver’s licenses to all qualified applicants without respect to their immigration status. In addition, in the absence of a valid judicial warrant, the data pertaining to all drivers will be protected very carefully. These licenses will not constitute a “Real ID” for federal purposes, but will be limited to permission to drive a motor vehicle.

If the bill does not find a sponsor in the NYS Senate, or is not reported out from committee, it will be submitted to the subsequent session. In November, all members of the legislature will be elected. Ask the candidates where they stand on this vital issue.

Jordy Bell, Croton-on-Hudson

CCoHOPE Indivisible