Approved June 11, 2019

RESOLUTION OF THE GREATER UTICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSING PROPOSAL TO EXTEND NEW YORK STATE DRIVERS LICENSES TO UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

WHEREAS, a proposal called the “Green Light Bill” was first introduced by former New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer in 2007 that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a New York State driver’s license that was not passed by the State Senate; and

WHEREAS, a new version of that proposed bill has been reintroduced in both the Assembly and Senate that would allow undocumented immigrants to use foreign identification to apply for a license, and such foreign identification cannot be readily verified; and

WHEREAS, the proposal would allow undocumented immigrants to register for drivers’ licenses without proof of residence or a Social Security number, as currently required under state law; and;

WHEREAS, it is unclear if drivers’ licenses issued to undocumented immigrants would indicate whether people possessing such licenses are residing in New York State in violation of Federal Immigration laws; and

WHEREAS, possessing a driver’s license that does not indicate if legal citizenship is in place could lead to undocumented immigrants registering to vote even though the proposed legislation does not specifically attempt to grant voting rights to people who are residing in New York in violation of Federal immigration laws; and

WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy Institute has estimated that 265,000 undocumented immigrants would get licenses, including more than 1,000 in the Utica area; and

WHEREAS, protecting the integrity of Local, State, and Federal elections is paramount to the proper functioning of representative government and the ability of businesses and business associations to advocate their legislative interests on a level playing field;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce does hereby oppose the granting of New York State driving licenses to undocumented immigrants.