Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda announced today legislation to prohibit the State Department of Motor Vehicles from cancelling, suspending, or rescinding driver’s licenses issued to youth enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program ending in early March of 2018.
"It seems we have policies and laws coming out of Washington that seem to want to blame immigrants for every thing that's wrong with this country, rather than embrace immigrants that have built this country, especially this city where we stand,” said Sepulveda, who was joined by fellow electeds and members of the United Federation of Teachers and the Hispanic Federation at City Hall.
“The current permission to obtain a driver’s license must be kept in place when the federal government ends the program in early March of 2018,” he declared. "It's time for New York State to walk the talk on protecting DACA recipients when the program ends."
Sepulveda, a member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture, noted that many upstate Dreamers are involved with their families in agricultural work, involving the use of farm equipment.
Sarah Rogerson, Albany Law School professor and director of the Immigration Law Clinic, said that "This would be a small step toward remediating the looming legal hurdles New York's Dreamers will face when their status expires. It is well within the state's authority to allow DACA recipients to maintain their identity as New Yorkers."
The Assemblyman noted that “Twelve states including the District of Columbia have granted undocumented immigrants driver’s licenses since 2010, but New York is not one of them.
“DACA enrollees have been granted driver’s licenses without incident and have allowed this group of youth to drive to work, school, and care for their families. Their ability to drive legally must not be impaired, and this legislation ensures that.”
Since its start in 2012, over 41,000 New Yorkers have been granted DACA status and over 53,000 have had their special status renewed by the federal government. All are eligible for a New York State driver’s license even though not all have applied for one.
“This is a simple, practical and common sense policy that will ensure current DACA enrollees can continue their driving privileges. This at a time when their lives are in turmoil due to President Trump’s decision to end the program, and the inability of Congress to agree on comprehensive immigration reform,” Sepulveda said.
“Whether through executive action by the Governor or through this legislation, we have the power to address this situation - and must do so immediately,” he added.
“Supporting DACA enrollees is of paramount importance to business groups, religious leaders and civic groups in this precarious time for them and their families. This legislation is of our highest priority and action by our leaders will be demanded on this measure.”
The Bronx Assemblyman also announced legislation that would let Dreamers apply for the Excelsior Scholarship Program without first needing to apply and qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) or the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), which bar undocumented individuals.
“Those requirements are now the biggest hurdle Dreamers have had to face in obtaining college financial aid in New York State,” he said.
Joining Sepulveda in support at the press conference were fellow Bronx Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Washington Heights Assemblywoman Carmen de la Rosa and City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca of Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
"I am proud to be a part of and support this legislation. It's just common sense," said Assemblyman Pichardo. "We need to be sure we protect our Dreamers from irresponsible government, from irresponsible leadership."
"What makes New York State great is that we have the ability to pass progressive legislation that is going to combat what is happening in Washington," said Assemblywoman De La Rosa. "The state has the right to pass laws that will protect our undocumented brothers and sisters."
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