HOUSE REPUBLICANS PROPOSE BILL TO CUT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR STATES ISSUING DRIVER’S LICENSES TO UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

Representative Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, has proposed a bill that seeks to cut federal highway funding for states, like New York, that issue driver’s licenses and ID cards to undocumented immigrants. Tenney, who co-chaired the House Election Integrity Caucus during the 2024 election that resulted in President-elect Trump’s victory, reintroduced the legislation, known as the Red Light Act, at the beginning of the new congressional session. The bill’s goal is to withhold federal highway funds from states that provide these licenses or IDs to individuals who are in the U.S. illegally.

The proposal aims to block federal highway funding for states that issue driver’s licenses or ID cards to individuals who are in the United States illegally, along with addressing other related objectives.

Rep. Claudia Tenney expressed concern about the ongoing migrant crisis, criticizing states like New York for policies she believes reward illegal activity. In a statement to Fox News Digital, she said, “Our nation is grappling with an unprecedented migrant crisis, yet some states, like New York, are incentivizing and rewarding criminals with driver’s licenses and identification cards.” Tenney specifically pointed to New York’s Green Light Law, stating that it has provided licenses to undocumented immigrants, enabling “dangerous individuals to roam freely in our country” and commit violent crimes.

Enacted in 2019 and signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York’s Green Light Law permits the state to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. Additionally, as part of a sanctuary policy aimed at preventing deportations, the law requires the state Department of Motor Vehicles to restrict access to its records. Federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement can only obtain these records with a court order or a judicial warrant authorized by a judge.

Law enforcement officials have criticized New York’s Green Light Law, calling it an act of legislative obstruction. Tom Homan, a native of upstate New York and the incoming border czar under the Trump administration, suggested a drastic measure if the law isn’t repealed: blocking vehicles with New York license plates from entering the U.S. from Canada.

“To me, this is a high priority,” Homan told the Buffalo News. “I grew up in New York state, I still own a home in the state. What happens in New York means a lot to me.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed Homan’s proposal as unreasonable, suggesting it would be absurd to block vehicles with New York license plates from entering the U.S. from Canada. During an unrelated press conference on Monday, she stated, “That would be bizarre to me that anyone thinks that stopping our vehicles from coming in and out of our country, keeping New Yorkers in a foreign country, is a smart path forward.” Hochul added, “I’d like to sit down and have that conversation.”

Tenney’s proposed bill would give the secretary of transportation the power to withhold all federal highway funding allocated to a state starting in the 2025 fiscal year and continuing each year thereafter. The legislation also includes a provision allowing the secretary to redistribute the withheld funds to states that repeal laws granting driver’s licenses or ID cards to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.

COMMENTARY:

The issue of granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants in the United States is fraught with complexities, especially concerning public safety. One of the primary arguments against allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses centers on the notion that they have already broken U.S. laws by entering the country illegally. This act of law violation, in the eyes of many, should not be rewarded with privileges like driving, which can be seen as an extension of legal residency or citizenship rights. Driving is a regulated activity that involves public safety, and extending this right to individuals who have entered the country without following legal procedures could be seen as undermining the rule of law and potentially compromising safety on the roads.

Moreover, the argument for safety is underscored by the need for thorough understanding and adherence to U.S. traffic laws and rules of the road. The assumption that someone who has not gone through the legal immigration process might not have the same level of familiarity with these laws could lead to higher incidences of accidents or violations. For instance, states like Florida have stringent laws against providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, reflecting a belief that such policies help maintain road safety by ensuring only those with a clear understanding of legal and traffic regulations are behind the wheel.

There’s also the concern about identity verification. When undocumented immigrants are issued driver’s licenses, the process of verifying their identity might not be as rigorous due to the lack of official documentation. This raises questions about the authenticity of the identity being presented, which could lead to increased risks of identity theft or fraud. Such concerns are not merely hypothetical; they have been voiced by public figures and in policy debates, pointing out that the integrity of identification systems could be at risk if not all drivers are vetted through legal immigration channels.

From a legal perspective, allowing undocumented immigrants to drive legally can be seen as a form of amnesty or reward for illegal behavior. Critics argue that this could encourage further illegal immigration, under the premise that benefits like driving privileges might be extended without the need for legal status. The debate extends beyond just driving; it touches on the broader implications of law enforcement and the sanctity of national borders. The sentiment is that if someone is here illegally, they should first address their legal status before being granted any rights or privileges that are typically reserved for legal residents or citizens.

The concept of pledging allegiance to the country before being allowed to drive or carry identification cards ties into the notion of civic responsibility and integration. Driving is not just a practical necessity but also a symbol of trust and belonging within a society. Requiring a pledge of allegiance would affirm that the individual aligns with the values, laws, and responsibilities of the country. This step would ensure that those who drive have a legal and moral commitment to uphold the laws of the land, thus fostering a safer environment for everyone on the road.

For those seeking asylum, the process is seen differently. Asylum seekers are often considered in a separate category because they are legally allowed to remain in the country while their claims are processed. Therefore, the argument goes, these individuals should be required to learn U.S. traffic laws and road rules as part of their integration process. This education should be mandatory and thorough, ensuring that they are just as knowledgeable as native citizens or legal immigrants about driving safely in the U.S. However, this privilege should not extend to those who have bypassed legal entry processes.

The safety concerns are also amplified by the potential for hit-and-run incidents. Unlicensed drivers, particularly those who are undocumented, might feel compelled to flee the scene of an accident due to fear of deportation or legal repercussions. While some studies, like those in California, suggest that licensing can reduce hit-and-run accidents, the counterargument is that these studies might not account for changes in behavior once someone’s immigration status is revealed during legal traffic stops or accidents. Without proper legal status, the fear of interaction with law enforcement could still drive unsafe practices on the road.

Furthermore, the provision of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants has been debated in terms of national security. Without a clear path to verification of who is driving, there’s an increased risk of individuals with malicious intent operating vehicles. This concern was echoed by Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf, highlighting how such policies could undermine both public safety and national security. This perspective underscores the need for stringent background checks and legal status verification before granting driving privileges.

Public opinion also plays a significant role in this debate. Polls and discussions on platforms like X often show a significant portion of Americans opposing the idea of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, primarily based on safety and legal considerations. This opposition stems from a belief that legal processes should not be circumvented for the sake of convenience or perceived safety benefits, which might not be substantiated by all data or could be misinterpreted.

In conclusion, the argument against allowing undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses without first addressing their legal status is rooted in concerns for public safety, legal integrity, and national security. The process of learning and pledging allegiance to the country’s laws would not only ensure that drivers understand and respect these laws but also affirm their commitment to the society they wish to integrate into. Until individuals have taken steps toward legal citizenship, the act of driving should remain a privilege reserved for those who have followed the legal pathways to residency or citizenship in the United States.

ARTICLE:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-republicans-bill-rip-federal-185626658.html