Push to let immigs drive legally gains

ALBANY — A bill granting undocumented immigrants the chance to obtain driver’s licenses is gaining momentum in the state capital.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) said Wednesday that his conference is supportive of moving the bill forward, but cautioned that lawmakers want to make sure New Yorkers are aware of the benefits of the measure before putting it up to a vote.

“If people understood the benefits of doing the driver’s license bill I think that people would be much more understanding and open to having it,” Heastie said.

Twelve states plus the District of Columbia already allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Advocates argue that the measure would be an economic boon and make roads safer for all drivers as reports of hit-and-runs have declined in states that passed similar bills.

According to a report from the liberal Fiscal Policy Institute, more than 265,000 people would become eligible for licenses and the additional legal drivers would generate $57 million in annual revenue.

Advocates applauded the encouraging words from Heastie.

“It’s time New York restored a right all immigrants once had, one that would help families, improve the state’s economy, and promote better road safety,” Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said in a statement.

However, convincing New Yorkers that the measure is a good idea could be an uphill battle. A Siena College poll from March found that 61% of voters in the Empire State are against it, which is why lawmakers will mount a public education campaign highlighting the benefits of the bill.

“The consensus that came out was that we are supportive of moving the driver’s licences for all, but we do want to spend a little time messaging and communicating to the communities around the state why this is beneficial,” Heastie added.

Senate Democrats have yet to publicly announce their conference’s position on the push. Some Dems from more conservative suburban and upstate districts have steered clear of endorsing the legislation, likely out of fear of facing criticism from Republicans who could use their support as fodder for attack ads.

Gov. Cuomo has said he will sign the legislation if it passes.

Heastie, meanwhile, said the sudden push for the progressive measure in the Assembly was not in response to the threat of primaries against Dems from the left.

“We’re not motivated by threats,” Heastie said. “Assembly Democrats are not motivated by primaries and we’ll continue to do the right thing.”