(Mineola, NY) The New York State Legislature recently approved the “Green Light Bill” which authorizes the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal immigrants within New York State. This approval comes despite objections expressed by County Clerks throughout the state of New York. In many counties located in Upstate New York, the County Clerk is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Department of Motor Vehicles. This includes the issuing of drivers licenses.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law, which is scheduled to take effect on December 16, 2019. County Clerks across the state are refusing to comply with the new law and are pursuing legal action against Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature. While Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell does not have responsibility over the Department of Motor Vehicles in Nassau, she stands in support of the upstate County Clerks and their refusal to issue drivers licenses.
“I am opposed to this law and I’m fearful of the damage it can cause by issuing a legal document to individuals with no standing”, said O’Connell. “I stand with my colleagues in Upstate New York and support their lawsuits to prevent the implementation of the “Green Light Bill.”