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Statement from Assemblymember Reilly regarding drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2019
Contact: Peter Giunta, 347.621.8031

The following is a statement from Assemblymember Michael Reilly regarding drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants:

“Last night, Governor Cuomo hastily signed into law the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act to provide New York State driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who are here in the country illegally. The legislation also prohibits the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles from cooperating with the federal law enforcement agencies that enforce our nation’s immigration laws. 

As a New York taxpayer, I am saddened to frequently see my state government take action that is so out of touch with my values and those of millions of other New Yorkers; however, as a former member of law enforcement, I am disappointed and deeply concerned that lawlessness has once again seized the day here in our great state. Providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants is dangerous, but to prohibit the Department of Motor Vehicles from cooperating with law enforcement in the event it could trigger immigration enforcement is just flat out ridiculous. That’s why I voted against this legislation in the State Assembly. 

Our society has laws for a reason and in any other place, those who break the law are punished – but here in New York they are rewarded. 

New Yorkers best remember this when they go to polls next year. The taxpayers of this state deserve representatives who will put the priorities of average New Yorkers first, not people who are trying to check off a box on their political agenda.”

Mike Reilly was elected to the State Assembly in November 2018. He is a former Lieutenant with the New York City Police Department. 

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