WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has visited the White House in the hope he can persuade President Donald Trump to reverse a decision to boot New Yorkers from programs that allow travelers to avoid long lines at U.S. at the border.
The Democratic governor and Republican president met Thursday to discuss their dispute over New York's new “Green Light” law, which lets unauthorized immigrants obtain state driver's licenses and also bars federal immigration agents from accessing state motor vehicle records.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf says the leaders held a “productive meeting."
Today, I joined @POTUS Trump & Governor Cuomo for a productive meeting. The relationship between New York & the Fed government is very important but has been made difficult by the unilateral actions of NY regarding the sharing of critical security information with DHS. Statement: pic.twitter.com/QS4ub5QiRj
— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) February 13, 2020
Cuomo offered to allow federal officials access Department of Motor Vehicles records only for individuals applying to Trusted Traveler Programs.
"As the Governor previously said, we believe DHS's action was politically motivated and unwarranted as the FBI already has information regarding criminal records and TTP applicants already go through an extensive federal background check. The President said that this is an issue he wants to work on and that he would follow up with the Governor next week," said Dani Lever, Cuomo's Communications Director.
Wrapped up my meeting with the President. I restated my initial solution: NY is willing to provide DMV records for NYers applying to TTP. He’s open to working with us on this and we’ll continue the conversation in the coming week.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 14, 2020
