BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Should New York State give driver's licenses to undocumented workers? Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw says absolutely not.
In a report released Thursday, Mychajliw detailed what he says are the "negative consequences" to Green Light New York. The bill, which is now under review in the State Assembly would allow undocumented workers to get a state driver's license regardless of their immigration status.
"There's so many negative consequences to this that I don't actually think people in Albany actually thought of," Mychajliw said.
If it passes, Mychajliw says taxpayers would end up paying more, in part because more workers would be needed at DMV's county-wide. He says there would be a need for translators and clerks to handle the increase in traffic.
"I think if you look at the big picture, they're illegal aliens. They're here illegally, and we should report those individuals to Federal Law Enforcement."
Supporters of the bill disagree. Maloney de Zaldivar works with the New York Immigration Coalition.
"We work with the people every day who are living in fear because they can't pick up their kids from school because they can't take their kids to a doctor's appointment. This legislation allows them to buy insurance, buy a car, and follow the rules of the road when driving on the streets," she said.
Mychajliw says if those people want to follow rules, they should do so legally, and apply to be United States citizens.
Farmers have been a big supporter of Green Light New York, because many undocumented workers work on farms across the state.
