NEW YORK—Twelve states offer driver licenses to illegal aliens, and on Wednesday, Feb. 13, the New York City Council passed a resolution calling for a bill that would make New York number 13.
The resolution was introduced by Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who believes that all illegal aliens, including those who have been convicted of crimes, are entitled to a driver’s license. While Rodriguez intends to give them the same opportunities as lawful aliens and citizens, his resolution left council members with questions, as well as concerns over the unspecified requirements for licenses.
In New York, a social security number is required to apply for a driver license, and in most states proof of authorized residence is required. The bill would remove the social security requirement for driver licenses and would prohibit the DMV from asking applicants of their immigration status.
Increasing Safety and Accessibility, but at What Cost?
Rodriguez stated that passing a bill like this would make streets safer, as all applicants would have to pass a driving test. Steven Choy, the executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition sees this as a way of helping families who are at risk of deportation.
“The fact is that when you’re driving—without a license—as so many people do to go to work, or take their kids to school … you are exposing yourself to being caught driving without a license, and then potentially deported,” said Choy at the press hearing.
While it is true that illegal immigrants and their families would benefit from the licenses, it would be an oversight to not look at things dialectically. For example: the resolution did not list any proposed requirements for applicants of driver licenses.
The Dialectic Perspective
Councilmen Robert Holden explained his motive for voting against the resolution.
“Years ago, Washington state was the only state that issued undocumented licenses.” said Holden. “I had somebody, a resident of New York State—he was undocumented—and I said, ‘How do you have a driver’s license?’ He said, ‘Well, I bought it.'”
Holden asked his fellow council members if they have an idea of how to know if the resident is a resident, adding that some states ask for two years of state income tax.
Until 2008, Oregon did not require proof of lawful presence for a driver license. But in 2007, former Governor Kulongoski issued an executive order (pdf) which called for strict requirements, according to Protect Oregon Driver Licenses.
The motive behind this decision was to prevent criminal organizations “[assisting] persons to illegally obtain driver licenses and identification cards from DMV,” states the order. “This is particularly important in the battle against identity fraud and identity theft and to protect our national security.”
