Democratic members of the state Senate from Long Island don’t support a bill granting state driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, they announced Monday night. But the state Senate passed the bill and Gov. Cuomo is expected to sign it.
State Sen. James Gaughran, D-Huntington, provided a statement from the Long Island Democratic delegation that read, “We value the important contributions made by immigrants to our local economy and our communities, which is why we have given this piece of legislation careful consideration.
“Following countless meetings with stakeholders, residents, and advocates on the implications of this bill, our vote is based on the continued existence of serious concerns raised by stakeholders and law enforcement.
“We will continue to stand together in the best interest of Long Islanders.”
Immigrant organizations have been lobbying for the bill that would grant them full driver’s licenses opponents have argued that the licenses would rely on foreign documents that can’t be verified.