***Editor’s Note: Click here https://youtu.be/gZmtWD30B7w

Today, the state Assembly passed Assembly Bill 3675-B, known as the “Green Light Bill,” that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain New York state driver’s licenses. A recent Siena Poll found that 61% of New Yorkers opposed driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. Despite a large percentage of residents opposing the measure, the Green Light Bill passed the Assembly and is set to be voted on in the Senate.

“I don’t think people realize the repercussions this bill will create. The Green Light Bill is granting more privileges than just allowing illegal immigrants to drive a car. It is opening the door for voter fraud. Boards of elections will be forced to sort through applications of legal and illegal individuals who have registered to vote. Local Departments of Motor Vehicles will have to allocate taxpayer dollars towards additional labor costs to handle the influx of individuals receiving driver’s licenses,” said Byrnes. “As we reach the end of session, our taxpayers are seeing little return on investment. It’s necessary that we shift priorities to relieving the tax burdens of the middle class instead of making it easier for those who have broken the law.”

The driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants proposal originated in 2007 by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer. The proposal was highly opposed by both the Majority and Minority politicians. On April 8 of this year, Monroe County passed a memorializing letter in opposition of the Green Light Bill. Concerns were raised that the proposal goes against federal laws on immigration and will create additional incentives for individuals to enter our country illegally.

“As Monroe County Executive, I am disappointed to see the New York State Assembly vote “yes” on this misguided legislation to issue driver’s licenses to those who are here illegally. In 2007, when I served as Monroe County Clerk, I successfully rallied my fellow clerks on both sides of the aisle to stand up to Albany and stop this proposal before it was enacted in the first place. It was my hope that county clerks from across the state, particularly the Monroe County region, would use their platforms as elected leaders to stop this legislation again this year,” said Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo.