New York Driver's License Without Barriers
Standard New York state driver's licenses are the same as state driver's licenses and can be presented to border officials as proof of identity. However the licenses are branded "NOT for Federal Purposes" and are not able to board domestic flights or get into certain federally secured buildings.
The process of obtaining an Restricted License requires you to complete 50 practice hours and reaching age 16. Restricted licenses can be used by only one person who is under the age of 19 and there is no driving between 11 midnight and 5 am.
EDLs are Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs)
Many states and Canadian provinces are offering EDLs that allow individuals to be admitted to the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean without having a passport. The IDs are equipped with a unique RFID chip that allows border patrols to scan them to determine if they are valid for entry. Sverige Express Kort do not contain any personal information and are protected by a shield to ensure that they can't be read by unauthorised people. However, they aren't as secure as a modern smartchip credit card or even your text messages, experts warn. They could be scanned as far as 30 feet away by identity thieves and stalkers.
The federal government requires that these licenses incorporate RFID technology to facilitate the identification process at the border. The RFID tag has an unique number of digits that are linked with information stored in Department of Homeland Security database. The information is sent to an information system at the border crossing point, which checks the database and then approves or denies the entry of the person. Data encryption, secure networks, and firewalls are used to protect the information.
New York State is among the states that offers an enhanced driver's license (EDL). It's not just an option to satisfy Real ID requirements but also to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. For this the standard New York State license or permit is required. However, users can upgrade to an electronic driving licence (EDL) by presenting a variety documents that prove their identity as well as their date of birth and New York State residence.
However, despite its advantages, an EDL may not be the best choice for all people. If you frequent travel, a passport is an ideal choice. It's more convenient, can be obtained much more quickly and provides the added benefit of visa-free travel to a wide variety of countries. It's also less expensive than an EDL. And if you plan to travel internationally frequently it might be worth the cost of a passport to avoid needing to carry a separate piece of ID with you.
Driver's licenses for residents who are not documented
On the first day New York's "Green Light Law" began to take effect the lines at Department of Motor Vehicle offices became a maze. People who were not legal immigrants gathered with their documents in hand to apply for licenses to allow them to drive, a privilege they had long sought after but had been denied for years.
The law permits these New Yorkers to enter the workforce and contribute to their communities while not having to pay expensive fines, detentions or other consequences related to immigration for driving without a permit. It also offers a sense belonging and a sense of normality to families which makes it easier for them to cope with everyday life and feel less lonely.
A driver's licence is essential for a lot of residents who are not legally documented in the state, particularly those who live in rural or suburban areas. In these parts of the state, there's little or no public transportation. Getting a license would let them drive to work or school, buy groceries or take their children to the doctor, in addition to other tasks that are commonplace.
In an article in the New York Times report, non-documented Rhode Islanders who voted for a similar bill this year, were able to use their licenses for jobs and registration of cars. This has helped to boost the economy as it has enabled more people to join the workforce. Additionally it has cut down on illegal activities, such as selling drugs or making child pornography. These are linked to driving without a license.
There is a caveat: The licenses will include the words "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" in order to be in compliance with federal guidelines. This could raise concerns over the possibility that ICE agents are able to access these records, which would violate their privacy. However the Washington Post reported that, according to the attorney general Letitia James, the law affords "ample protections."
If you're not sure if this is the best option for you, seeking advice from an immigrant rights group will help. As the debate around this issue continues, it is important to remember that regardless of what happens in Washington, there are many ways to support immigrants and refugees, including supporting policies like these which would improve access to driver's licenses.
Refugees can obtain an driver's license
A driver's license is often an unassuming piece of plastic that is often thought of as just something to keep in their wallets along with other important documents like their passport and social security card. For many immigrants without a legal document in New York City, however this tiny piece of paper is much more. It can open the doors to more opportunities in the economy as well as stronger families and a chance to blend more fully into the larger community of New Yorkers.
Whether they are commuting to work, shopping at the supermarket or going to the doctor, the majority of adult Americans manage their daily transportation logistics with personal vehicles. Denying a large proportion of immigrants this vital government-issued identification can have negative and real consequences for their community, their ability to earn a living and other ways, and their potential for long-term integration.
For asylum seekers, having access to a driver's license can assist them in obtaining jobs and support their families in the United States. It can also provide a sense that you are part of the community, and has been known to decrease anxiety and depression among newly arrived immigrants.
A license could help refugees to get health insurance and housing and join communities of support. Additionally, it can create a more prosperous economy, as a recent study of the effect of driving licenses for immigrants in Massachusetts found that their presence led to increased economic activity in the state.
The Green Light Law, passed in 2019, allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard driver's license without regard to their immigration status. The licenses are marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" in the top right corner. They cannot be used to board domestic flights or into certain federal buildings. However the law has been challenged several challenges from county clerks and the Trump administration and is currently under legal review.
Local governments can play an important role in easing restrictions on driver's licences, as Congress has not been able to pass a comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship. In doing so, they can improve the lives of a lot of vulnerable New Yorkers and help them achieve their full potential.
Immigrants' Driver's Licenses
State laws establish the conditions to obtain a driver's license. This includes whether or not to allow driving privileges to individuals who aren't citizens of the United States. However, as states adapt to new realities, some are reexamining their policies on whether and how to grant driving privileges to residents who are not legally documented.
The issue is not without controversy. In the past federal authorities have criticised states that issue driver's licenses to immigrants who are not legally documented. They claim it gives ICE officers the names of drivers they can call to arrest people committing crimes and attempting to avoid removal. Some advocates argue that allowing people to drive will allow them to be part of their communities and make them feel less excluded. It also makes roads safer and increase the safety of everyone on the road by increasing the number licensed drivers.
For certain people having a driver's license, it is a crucial document to show when applying for jobs or getting public services. It is necessary for non-citizens with no insurance in order to legally drive. However, the cost of this is often prohibitive for a lot of families.
Despite the challenges faced, more than 12 states have passed laws that let residents without a legal document to get an ordinary license. But some localities have resisted in this regard, with some clerks refusing to participate in the program in any way. Frank Merola, the county clerk of Rensselaer County upstate New York has filed a lawsuit against the state in the last month for allowing undocumented immigrant to obtain licenses.
The main arguments he has against the law stem from the possibility of it facilitating human trafficking and trafficking. He claims that the Green Light law will permit undocumented immigrants to purchase vehicles capable of transporting massive loads, which could lead to "the exploitation of vulnerable persons to serve illicit purposes." He also says that the law violates the Fifth Amendment by giving county clerks "a role in a state-sponsored program that allows for the registration of voters" which is currently illegal in the state.
Rosanna Berardi, an immigration lawyer, explains that it is highly unlikely that the suit will be successful. She stated on Voices with Michael Wooten that, while federal officials may not be happy with the law, courts have ruled that the states are able to control driver's licences.