By Andy B. Mayfair
Drivers licenses are being handed out like candy now that the law offering them to illegal immigrants has gone into effect.
New York State “saw a 133% surge in new learner permits issued Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as undocumented immigrants were able to apply for licenses for the first time,” according to The New York Post. “On Monday, a total of 3,404 standard learners’ permits were issued under the new Green Light Law, DMV spokeswoman Lisa Koumjian said. That’s compared to a daily average of 1,338. DMV offices issued 3,394 permits on Tuesday, and 2,574 on Wednesday, Koumjian said. There are 940,000 unauthorized immigrants in New York as of 2016, the Migrant Policy Institute estimated.”
New York State passed the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, which allows any person over 16 years of age to apply for a state driver’s license regardless of U.S. citizenship status, made its official debut Monday, causing an influx of people to flood DMVs across the state,” Fox News reported.
“As expected, we experienced larger crowds Monday – and in preparation, the NYS DMV added resources, like kiosks, to assist customers in the offices whose transactions can be completed online, updated our reservation system, adjusted staffing levels and encouraged customers to use our website to prepare for their visit, which improves the wait times for everyone in the office,” NYS DMV Assistance Commissioner of Communications Lisa Koumjian told FOX Business.
Last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also signed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. “The bill will allow those living in New Jersey who are unable to prove they are legal residents to obtain permits, “standard” driver’s licenses, and “Real ID” cards,” noted National Review.
“Expanding access to driver’s licenses is critical for the safety of New Jerseyans and a step toward building a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all,” the governor said in a statement. “Allowing residents the opportunity to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status will decrease the number of uninsured drivers and increase safety on our roads. The bill also mandates that New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must provide translators for applicants who do not speak English.”
MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton commented that giving driver’s license to illegals will help prevent the “break-up of families. Those who pass our driver testing and meet our strict identity requirements will be able to drive to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and other activities, without risking the break-up of their families.”