Walsh: New York’s Green Light Law Wrongfully Restricts Residents From Trusted Traveler Programs

A Statement from Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston)

“I have opposed the “Green Light Law,” which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, from the very start. When this legislation passed last year, I feared the far-reaching implications that would arise. Now, the federal government has barred all New Yorkers from enrolling in travel programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST due to concerns from Homeland Security.

“The governor signed this irresponsible bill into law despite opposition from the public. Individuals who are eligible for these travel benefits are being wrongfully penalized because the rights of illegal immigrants have been prioritized. I have heard from individuals in my own district, who are just a few of the 80,000 New Yorkers in the middle of the application process who have now lost their investment and opportunity entirely. I am willing to work with representatives at all levels of government to provide a solution to this issue and restore rights back to law-abiding New Yorkers.”