New York to Sue Trump Administration Over Global Entry Freeze

Feb 07, 2020 · 137 comments
Cooofnj (New Jersey)
Ridiculous position from the Trump administration. I have been in the program for years. A drivers license is only one of many other items used to get in the program. I am not sure you even NEED a drivers license (though you do have to prove you are a legal citizen or permanent resident). I don’t reflexively hate everything this administration does but this one seems incredibly stupid and indefensible. Guess Trump knew about it when he changed his residence to Florida.
CC (NYC)
How's that? Citizens of Argentina (and other countries) are eligible for Global Entry... but **not** New York residents??? https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility
Barbara (South Bay)
Illegal immigrants should not be rewarded with driving licenses.
LarryAt27N (North Central Florida)
"“The blame for this travel document dilemma rests squarely with Andrew Cuomo...." Lying has become so easy for Republicans, so natural.
DB (NYC)
@LarryAt27N Sorry if that truthful quote bothers you.. But regardless..NYS will lose its fight.
Patrick. (NYC)
It’s easy but sightly inconvenient to solve this problem. No one should get on the pre check line. Simply refuse to go thru the machinery as is your right and request a personal pat down. This would virtually bring airports to a stand still until Trump blinks. Of course he could care less about the citizenry but the airlines would demand he blink on Global Entry. Problem solved.
Michael Blazin (Dallas, TX)
Global Entry is after you leave the plane. Airlines could care less where you go or how long it takes.
Reader (Brooklyn)
Incorrect. Global Entry provides expedited passage when you leave through TSA pre-check (included with Global Entry) and when you are returning through the use of the Global Entry lanes. However, it wouldn’t do anything other than to make travel more difficult for yourself. As someone who travels quite often for work, both internationally and domestically, this could be a real inconvenience for myself or others in similar positions.
ebmem (Memphis, TN)
New York residents who plan to travel internationally can apply to the federal government for global entry, which lets them use a faster lane through immigration when entering and exiting the country. The federal government bumps the application up against various databases, including the NYS motor vehicle records, in its approval process. NYS passes a law prohibiting federal immigration authorities from accessing its motor vehicle records, unless it submits a court order for each NY resident who applies. NYS plans to file a lawsuit objecting to the fact that the federal government drops NY from eligibility to participate in a convenience program? You really can't make this stuff up. NY harasses the federal government for partisan advantage and then complains?
Peter Henry (Suburban New York)
@ebmem Well, let's start with the fact that you don't have to have a driver's license, much less one issued by New York in order to get Global Entry. Global entry doesn't let you use a "faster lane when exiting the country", that's TSA PreCheck. You get it with Global Entry, but you can still get it all by itself, and that hasn't been changed. And lastly, when I applied for Global Entry, I had to submit my passport as identification, not my driver's license, along with a whole bunch of other documents, submit to an FBI background check, get fingerprinted and photographed and be interviewed by an agent from Homeland Security. This is nothing more than another Trump move to show that he really dislikes anyone who disagrees with him or votes against him. Yesterday, after this move was announced, Trump opened up vast areas of Utah which used to be protected Federal land to mining. Guess that'll show Mitt Romney !
Joshua (USA)
@Peter Henry Mitt wanted that Utah land opened to mining. Utah wants the money and the jobs.
Chris1 (Chicago)
@Peter Henry believe me I’m not a Trump fan but don’t you think that one of things DHS does when conducting the necessary background checks- including the FBI check, is run the applicants name through DMV databases? I would expect this is happening. It seems pretty obvious that they would cross check the address you list on the application with the corresponding state’s DMV as part of the verification process. Maybe they don’t require a DL for the application because they check it themselves......
IowaFarmer (USA)
One word accurately describes this: Fascist.
JimInAuburn (Auburn)
@IowaFarmer look up the word. It does not describe this.
Jeannie (Denver, CO)
Right now it’s couched as a silly argument over convenience. But it’s much more than that. There is absolutely no rational connection between a global entry program for US citizens vs. the state of N.Y. not sharing data. None. Trump and his malicious cronies are deliberately targeting a group of US citizens for punishment. I can’t help but wonder what kind of harassment New Yorkers will face when they re-enter the country and get shaken down by INS goons. It’s facile to suggest people simply not travel, or that these are just elitists complaining. That’s NOT the point. Restricting the movement of innocent civilians is. If now only a matter of “convenience,” targeting New Yorkers for special treatment is one step closer to yellow stars on coats. Anyone who is ok with this doesn’t see the big picture here. They will, when they become targeted themselves.
JimInAuburn (Auburn)
@Jeannie sure there is a connection. There are backgrounds checks as part of this program. If you cannot get the information because it is being blocked then you cannot approve the applications.
Steve Ell (Burlington, Vermont)
I guess New York residents aren’t entitled to the same due process that trump claimed he was denied. By retaliating against New York for a perceived slight, trump is abusing power again. This decision was politically based and the federal government is still entitled to driver’s license information by following clearly explained steps. The New York law is to prevent blanket access to the data. Given New York issues the licenses, it is entitled to manage the data. trump is unfit to lead. His action is just one of many retaliatory instructions he is issuing vindictively, just like having colonel vindman removed from the White House like a criminal perpetrator. Purely disgraceful behavior.
Toadhollow (Upstate)
@Steve Ell and it's based on the overall State being blue, but where I live in upstate NY the whole county and surrounding counties are all Republican strongholds and mostly Trump supporters. Everyone in our state is equally hurt by this retaliation.
JimInAuburn (Auburn)
@Steve Ell so you want DHS to get a court order for information about everyone that applies? Ok, fine. Your fee is now $10,000 for global entry because of all the extra work that is needed.
Hanna (le Midwest)
Returning from France in July 2019, I came through customs at O'Hare. The lines were incredibly long. It was as though the agents were either taking their time or staffing was inadequate. Even the Global Entry lines were long. Passengers were complaining. Then, a few flight attendants said that it was probably because of the ICE raids. They said that DHS sometimes punishes Blue States for resisting the raids, especially in Chicago, which is a sanctuary city. Slow lines are apparently common retaliation in Illinois and California. It was noticed, but not announced.
The ATL (Atlanta)
Guess what? The same thing happens all the time in Atlanta (the world’s busiest airport), which just happens to be in a Red state. Happened under Bush 2, happened under Obama. Don’t attribute to malice that which can simply be explained by gross governmental incompetence.
beth j (california)
@Hanna -- Geeeee -- how are we supposed to trust and defer to authority when authorities punish and inconvenience people so they can "prove" some kind of point and/or irritate people just because they complain about being inconvenienced and harassed. Sounds like abuse of power. Most of the people I know are not the kind to take abuse of power sitting down. The constant drip...drip...drip of bad policy and harassing largely law abiding citizens isn't something that I believe will end well.
beth j (california)
@Hanna -- Geeeee -- how are we supposed to trust and defer to authority when authorities punish and inconvenience people so they can "prove" some kind of point and/or irritate people just because they complain about being inconvenienced and harassed. Sounds like abuse of power. Most of the people I know are not the kind to take abuse of power sitting down. The constant drip...drip...drip of bad policy and harassing largely law abiding citizens isn't something that I believe will end well.
Everett (Texas)
Just NY spitting in the wind. DHS is well within its rights. Border control and entry belongs to the federal government--not NY state.
rlkinny (New York)
@Everett Not in practice. NY State, mostly via NYC, has an extensive anti-terrorist organization that includes things like border control and entry. It's considered one of the best in the world and is called on by many countries and large cities as a model for organization and training.
M. (California)
@Everett no, DHS most certainly isn't within its rights here. The federal government doesn't get to discriminate amongst its citizens. We're all taxpayers, we're all equal under law, petty political disputes with state governments notwithstanding.
SridharC (New York)
@Everett The way the wind blows if we spit in NYC it might end up in Texas
Warren (Shelton, Connecticut)
It’s time to start condemning Trump properties. In our post-law world, why waste precious time coming up with reasons.
Eleanor N. (TX)
Making a priority of going after illegal immigrants who are not hurting anybody and are contributing to the GNP and paying taxes is mistaken and unrealistic. I'd rather have all the potholes filled before doing that.
John Grillo (Edgewater, MD)
New York State, in the discovery phase of this litigation, should request to depose not only Trump, but Miller, Cuccinelli, and other leading anti-immigrant xenophobes in this cruel Administration. If past is prologue, the case will unearth the real motivation behind the punishment policy as in its duplicitous attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 national census. Nothing can be taken at face value with this odious band of dissemblers. Nothing.
FactCheck (Atlanta)
@John Grillo They will simply not show up. Kings aides are above the law.
Joe From Boston (Massachusetts)
@FactCheck The courts are not going to stand for being dissed by any Trump hanger-on. One thing that judges do (and have done for a long time) is send people to sit in jail for ignoring subpoenas. it is called "contempt of court." By the way, Congress has that same power, according to the Supreme Court opinion in McGrain v. Daugherty, 273 U.S. 135 (1927). Time for Congress to throw people who ignore their subpoenas in jail. Enough "Mr. Nice-Guy."
ebmem (Memphis, TN)
@John Grillo In response, the federal government can depose the NYS legislature to determine how they came about a decision that they would not allow homeland security to access NYS driver records. The real motivation was to make a statement that they hate Republicans and didn't think through the reality that they would be inconveniencing their own residents.
MB (SilverSpring, MD)
The Donald is the new Joe McCarthy. We need to recall how we got rid of Joe.
Whizbang Flashbang (Thule)
Typical Trump. I am a little curious to see how the city and state of New York reacts. It would be just awful if any Trump related businesses or properties were infected by health department inspections, audits and possibly tax liens, I mean it could cause quite a ripple if those buildings stood vacant while the issues made their way through the state and local legal and administrative systems. And heaven forbid the family wanted to use one of the many airports in the region. Awful, just awful.
RealTRUTH (AR)
Trump is now fair game for barring his flights from any NY Metropolitan airport. Make him produce his tax returns and birth certificate in order to prove his identity before being allowed to board even AF1. He is likely, in the not-too-distant future to be listed on Interpol's wanted fugitive list. How sweet.
Marj Woldan (Stamford, CT)
@RealTRUTH That's why he changed his residency to Florida -- so he can escape to Cuba !
Opinioned! (NYC)
Have been using Global Entry for years. And all I needed for my application was my valid passport, a couple of bills that both have my home address, a personal appearance for biometrics and signing a digital form. One does not need to present a driver’s license to enroll — I know because I don’t have a driver’s license. This latest directive is harassment and nothing more — because Trump knows that his stupid wall will never be built (wind, anyone?) and that he and his fellow oligarchs depend on illegal labor to survive (just look at Mar a Lago). To curb illegal immigration, pass the E-Verify and tighten all student visas. But Trump will never do these because the optics is not racist enough to cater to his white supremacist base.
sam finn (california)
@Opinioned! E-Verify matches names to social security numbers. It does not match flesh-and-blood individuals to names and SSNs What is needed -- for everything -- employment, government benefits, security, -- is a mandatory, nationwide, uniform, biometric (photo, fingerprint, iris) ID system.
Mary Ann (New York)
@sam finn Big Brother, anyone?
Joe From Boston (Massachusetts)
@Opinioned! Trump has a problem with E-Verify because it would cost him MONEY to have to hire Americans rather than the large number of illegal immigrants that he uses at all of his properties.
adonovzn (Pennsylvania)
Raise the taxes on his buildings to.let him know how arbitrary this is. There must be some New York state law he is violating. Or demand back income taxes from falsified tax returns by putting liens on them.
rlkinny (New York)
This also demonstrates a reason why the Electoral College needs to be eliminated. A dishonest and vindictive President like Trump is actually using the Electoral College as a tool to punish those states that will not support him and do his bidding. Specifically, knowing that the odds of him winning states like New York and California are about 0%, he has the opportunity to literally "punish" those states without consequence. He can even can even create tax plans that increase taxes on disloyal states while decreasing taxes on loyal states. (As was done with the Trump tax plan). If the Electoral College was eliminated, the weight of each voter would be the same and manipulative punitive Presidents like Trump would not be able to punish certain states without consequence.
Sherri Rosen (New York, NY)
Too bad we can't sue Trump for getting 70 plus work visas for people to work for him in Florida (citizens don't need work visas) and for the very large tab we NYC taxpayers have had to pay for almost 4 nightmarish years for all of the NYPD security in and around Trump Tower when that money could be better spent putting police in subways, on platforms and especially on the streets protecting New Yorkers.
Kennedy (Bronx, New York)
Bravo New York! For standing up to the tyrant in the White House.
Greg (Seattle)
Add Nick Langworthy to the list of Republican bold faced liars. Now that he and others have seen what Donald Trump can do without being held accountability, blatant lying has become part of the Republican platform. The suspension of Global Entry applications has nothing to do with safety snd security. Every applicant goes through a thorough and significant background check before being approved into the program. Those background checks are definitely more thorough than those completed for Trump cabinet officials who who later forced to resign due to their being deemed security risks, and those completed for Jared Kushner who was deemed a security risk but was given special status at Trump's insistence. There is NO correlation between Global Entry and drivers licenses for immigrants. There is NO issue with sharing national security data. (Given that the Trump administration refuses to share national security issues concerning Russia, Korea and Saudi Arabia with Congress that claim is hypocritical - and another lie.) This is simply Donald Trump’s increasing petty and vile bullying of states who did not vote for him in 2016 and do not support his erratic psychopathic authoritarian rule. Republicans are going to rue the day they acquitted Trump. He will come after all of them next, only they are too arrogant and stupid to know it.
DocG (Pennsylvania)
Why does NY continue to protect lawbreakers instead of protecting legal residents and citizens? If you are here and undocumented, are without a green card or past your visa dates, you are a lawbreaker and by law you should be sent back to your home country. Why have laws if we do not enforce them.
VTBobb (Maryland)
Didn't Pelosi just write an op-ed claiming Republicans were normalizing lawlessness? Ironic.
Mandarine (Manhattan)
This is what the beginning and the normalisation of a dictatorship looks like in America. So sad to think my grandparents fleeing the Nazis In 1940 would not be welcomed here NOR would they want to come here for safety and protection.
ken G (bartlesville)
Totally illegal to selectively block New Yorkers.
MDB (USA)
New York lobbed the first grenade and now is indignant that its fire has been returned. It’s simple, NYS. Follow federal law and get your Global Entry back.
ThisIsNothingNew (NYC)
Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress are the only things Trump actually does well. Vote this joker out already.
Tom Weston (Las Vegas)
What about CLEAR?
Opinioned! (NYC)
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Deep in the bowels of one of the many government buildings in the Empire State lies all of Trump’s tax returns ever since he got a TIN number and started filing his taxes. Please release all of them into the internet wilds. The press will reward you greatly. And the rest of the world will finally know what New Yorkers have known all along — that Trump is a tax cheat and is currently bankrupt. I believe a precedent has been set — the release of Trump’s tax returns is in the public interest of all New Yorkers and therefore, not a crime. Thank you. — A New Yorker, US Citizen, taxpayer, and voter
Pvbeachbum (Fl)
“Political intrusion into government” is exactly what NY and other sanctuary states did when they Defied our federal immigration laws and allowed illegal aliens to apply for driver’s licenses. You get what you paid for... No sympathy here.
asian observer (Narberth, PA)
The crucifixion of democracy continues, as Fascism flourishes behind the phalanx of the Republican Senate, and displayed in a reality TV show, in which we all a part. Vote November 3, 2020 and re-write the script! Or practice your role for the next Act of the modern 'Richard III' ("malicious, wrathful, and envious")...
DK (Boston)
GO NY!!
Jessica (New York)
Those defending Trump and DHS need to explain what possible information the NYS DMV has that is needed to protect the country from terrorists. You can get Global Entry WITHOUT a drivers license or state ID , you need a passport. You also need a SS # , to be fingerprinted, interviewed by DHS agents ( at an airport) etc. Oh and it gets better many NON US citizens get Global Entry. Global Entry merely makes it faster for frequent travellers willing to spend time & money and open their life up to the government to move faster. If DHC is relying on the New York DMV database for vital info , we are in BIG trouble. Its political, period.
paul (White Plains, NY)
The U.S. should sue New York state for giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens who broke U.S. immigration law when they crossed the border. And they should sue every state and city which provides sanctuary and taxpayer funded services to illegal aliens. Nobody is above the law, as Democrats constantly remind us every day.
Bailey T. Dog (Hills of Forest, Queens)
Release all of Trump’s NY tax returns. Rescind any tax abatements on Trump-owned property. Rescind all tax abatements on any properties owned by non-residents sold starting with a date researched to coincide with the selling of Trump properties. Inspect his buildings and staffs for any tiny aberration, and throw huge fines his way. Hit him where it hurts.
RLS (New York)
I live in New York and I say ban away. Maybe some discomfort will get people to open their eyes and see the shams being imposed on us - no not all New Yorkers have their head in the clouds and there is a large number of us extremely fed up with our representatives ignoring our say and only working their corrupt agendas.
Phineas J. Whipple (NYC)
I am a New Yorker too, and this rule is punishing me and you simply because we live here. This violates our First Amendment right to freedom of association. Perhaps you do not care about the constitution. I do.
DAWGPOUND HAR (NYC)
After October 2020, New Yorkers, among other states, will have the federal Real ID program verided STAR in the upper right corner of their licences that will allow "unfettered" travel within the US borders. Will drivers licences given to undocumented/illegal immigrants be issued this version of REAL ID as well? If so, it is extremely unfair and potentially crazy dangerous.
Victoria Smith (New York)
So should the city of New York revoke the certificates of occupancy for all Trump residences, hotels, and commercial buildings? Seems like the logical next step in this absurd “mine is bigger than yours” contest.
N. Smith (New York City)
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what's fueling Donald Trump's rage against New York, especially when there are so many things to choose from, and the fact that without any restraints from the U.S. Constitution, he has just about declared himself King. In short, he will be taking swift revenge on everyone and everything he perceives is, or has ever been against him. The "American carnage" has just begun.
loma (new york)
what makes NY so special? At least 12 other states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented immigrants to apply for state driver’s licenses. New York is the only one that declines to share photos, license plates and biographical information from its databases with federal immigration officials.
Bill Woodson (Ct.)
Granting drivers licenses to illegal immigrants is a BAD policy and encourages more illegal activity. A drivers license is a privilege and to reward a privilege based of illegal activity is sending the wrong message. Do you reward your kid when he or she does something wrong with a gift or granting of a privilege? There's big difference between illegal and legal immigration.
SMS (NYC)
Why does NYC spend enormous sums on protecting Trump Tower with its elite tactical units? If Trump is so wealthy, then it shouldn’t be a burden placed on taxpayers and he should bear the costs. I’m the meantime, he charges full prices to the US Secret Service to stay at his properties to protect him (and we pay for that, too). The whole administration is a scam to benefit the Trumps and we’re the marks. Cuomo and DeBlasio should pull claim imminent domain and tear down Trump Tower replacing it with a park. The only value in the building is for the scrap.
kim (nyc)
Jeez, I attended an all-girls boarding school filled with privileged pampered heiresses who judged and excluded on the basis of curly or straight hair, skinny or big calves. I have to say, the pettiness of The Donald continues to shock. I mean, the absolute pettiness. Good grief.
Chris (NYC)
Whatever Trump’s motivations are, to me this is a safety issue. Giving UNDOCUMENTED immigrants legal id and then refusing to allow the feds to see the database. I wouldn’t give access to flights based on that.
From Where I Sit (Gotham)
Cuomo’s DMV is the same agency that automatically enrolls 16 and 17 year olds as voters when they turn eighteen - which is not required by law, yet does not enroll males in the Selective Service at the same time - which is required by law. Who is being political again?
Toadhollow (Upstate)
@From Where I Sit, what is the problem with allowing 18 year olds to vote?
Tray Clay (NYC)
Cuomo is responsible for the insertion of the data-blocking provision a week before the Green Light Law was signed in June 2019. Cuomo’s concern along with other pro-immigrant organizations was that ICE and CBP would have access to undocumented immigrants who are seeking to obtain licenses under the new Law, potentially making it easier for the undocumented to get deported. So Cuomo is protecting the undocumented more than protecting its Citizens. I’m no longer allowed to apply for or renew my GOES because of the need to protect the undocumented. Thanks Cuomo.
JMS (NYC)
The Feds have a right to access the database - if New York won’t provide the data, we should lose whatever status we have as a result. It’s about maintaining safety in our Country.
N. Smith (New York City)
@JMS You do realize there's more to it than that, don't you? Trump couldn't care less about the "safety" of this country, and that much was made clear when he held up aid to Ukraine who is fighting Russia -- which by the way, is also our enemy and poses an even greater threat to the U.S. Forget Trump's anti-immigration hype and stick with the facts.
Norma (Albuquerque, NM)
@JMS The only way to maintain safety in our country is to vote out trump next election. Why so many in this country of immigrants are now feeling threatenened by children from South America is ridiculous. I thought Americans had more courage.
Capt Al (NYC)
After this lawsuit winds it way up to the SCOTUS, will we find out if we are a nation of laws or a nation governed by the whims of elected officials?
Chris (NYC)
This is a common sense decision by the feds. If you cannot verify the source of an identification document and can’t even view the photo database, why would you use that system to allow access to flights. Isn’t that one of the safeguards established after 9/11.
sam finn (california)
@Capt Al Right -- And in immigration, that means federal laws -- not state laws.
Talbot (New York)
Why does New York always go to extremes? The bail reform law takes it much further than others by giving judges no discretion. And now this. Why can't we just moderate our positions a little?
kensbluck (Watermill, NY)
@Talbot I ask the same question. Why does Trump and his administration always have to go to extremes? Why can't Trump just moderate his positions a little? Possibly then he could start governing fairly for all of the people of this country instead of just his 60 million base. New York and California combined have 59+ million people. That is how many people Trump no longer considers worthy of his governance. This is not about a few illegal immigrants and their drivers licenses. This is Trump taking his vengeance out on the blue states because they don't support him.
Paul Duesterdick (Albany ny)
@Talbot Because Andrew Cuomo is the master of “ ham- handed “ politics ( to quote him) and political retribution
Peter Gonzalez (Greenwich Village, NY)
What’s next? Banning New Yorkers from obtaining passports?
Drmbon (Ny)
@Peter Gonzalez what's the point of having passports if new york is going to give drivers license to illegals? People who are here and we have no proof of who they are..many with stolen social security numbers and a past of which we know nothing about. Please dont feign concern over passport ID while simultaneously advocating fornillegala right..the ultimate lack of identification
Tom Mariner (Long Island, New York)
Of course the President's DHS move on New York's not requiring proof of anything is vindictive. And an answer to New York's vindictive move to thwart our DHS. We are now a nation where protest is legitimized through law and HATRED rules the land. But sells lots of eyeballs looking at advertisements!
MIKEinNYC (NYC)
I am a New Yorker who wants to sue New York (i) for not letting ICE do its job to rid our State of those who illegally sneaked into our country, and (ii) for unconstitutionally usurping our judges power and letting people who should be putting up bail go free, many of whom have immediately resumed their lives of crime. The people who run our State, from the top down, have gone nuts.
Norma (Albuquerque, NM)
@MIKEinNYC Some of my ancestors who were imprisoned in reservations felt much the same way after they found out your ancestors were here to steal their land.
Bill Lombard (Brooklyn.)
Also all I ever read from commentators here is how “Trump is a Fascist” , but on the other hand no one ever mentions the one party dictatorial grip the Democrats have on NY. The reason DHS won’t approve New Yorkers is because driver licenses are being issued in this state to non-citizens. Didn’t we learn anything from 9-11 ?, bueller ? Bueller ?
N. Smith (New York City)
@MIKEinNYC If anything, it's this president who has gone nuts.
manfred marcus (Bolivia)
Good move, as Trump's resentment knows no limits. Can't we see we bought an unhinged discriminator in-chief, trying to create havoc where 'law and order' used to be?
Paul Duesterdick (Albany ny)
@manfred marcus We have a right to protect our borders and ham handed sanctuary state rules are not an answer to the problem
Sam (New York)
...And this is how dictators come to power.
DocG (Pennsylvania)
@Sam You're talking about Cuomo, right?
Chris (NYC)
By denying people access to the fast lane at the airport? I think that’s how Julius Caesar became dictator of South America.
MIKEinNYC (NYC)
I am a New Yorker and I don't want to see New York City as a so-called "sanctuary city". What is the argument in favor of thwarting ICE from enforcing our immigration laws to apprehend and deport people who illegally sneak into our country?
Bailey T. Dog (Hills of Forest, Queens)
@MIKEinNYC ICE is not being ‘thwarted’. They can still do what they are charged with doing. NY taxpayers don’t have to help them. You don’t even NEED a driver’s license to get global entry.
Paul Duesterdick (Albany ny)
@MIKEinNYC The argument is a Democratic party that knows that illegal aliens with driver’s licenses will be able to register to vote under the NY ask no questions voting plan and they are likely to vote with the party that is giving them everything for free
Peter (Bronx)
@MIKEinNYC The immigrants who do enter illegally are desparate to escape the deadly no life situations in Mexico and some Central American countries. Their daughters kidnapped and forced into prostitution and sold as sex slaves. Families and family members shot dead by drug cartels for allegedly providing law enforcement information on them. They are essentially good people afraid for their lives. They come to this country taking the jobs that white Americans do not want and working 12 hour shifts for cheap wages to survive. These good people should be given the asylum and a chance to live and work.
SridharC (New York)
Actually New York has an Enhanced Driver License which is soon going to be the only license for US Citizens and Legal Aliens. That requires demonstration of citizenship status. Why not release that data to CBP and withhold the other form of driver's license data to CBP? Certainly I have no objection to release of my enhanced license information since they already have most of that already. Punishing people (global Entry applicants) who are actually willing to go through extensive backgrounds to get at undocumented immigrants makes no sense at all. It is like waterboarding the police to get at criminals.
Michael Blazin (Dallas, TX)
After October, anyone that sees a valid NYS driver’s license without the star in upper right hand corner will immediately know the immigration status of the holder. NYS essentially created a database of undocumented immigrants complete with photos and up to date addresses. Politicians never think things through very deeply.
Jessica (New York)
@Michael Blazin sorry that is not true. Plenty of people will choose not to bother with the "enhanced" ID. It requires extra paperwork and if you don't plan to fly you don't need it.
lf (earth)
The only thing worse would be blocking traffic on the George Washington Bridge, but that would be unthinkable.
It’s About Time (In A Civilized Place)
Bravo to New York for allowing all who can pass the test to obtain a driver’s license. It makes us all safer. As opposed to say Florida where people without licenses and insurance are barreling up and down I-95. They are a menace as many do not know the rules of the road. Accidents are frequent. And authorized drivers frequently are affected. It’s like the Wild West. Give me the intelligent choice NY made. Along with sensible gun laws, citizens here actually feel their lives might be worth something...a life free of fear of unauthorized drivers and gun owners on our streets.
tom (ct)
@It’s About Time NY drivers far worse than FL having lived in both states, not even close.
Yeah (Chicago)
Remember when New Jersey officials made problems at a bridge crossing for political reasons? Big scandal, criminal prosecutions. But now Trump makes problems for everyone reentering the country in order to punish New Yorkers. And his base cheers because it’s got what they want most; making their fellow Americans suffer. Not what’s good for them but what’s bad for others.
Bayricker (Washington)
New York needs to fix their defective laws that prevent the Federal Government from vetting New York state residents for Global Entry and other programs. The rest of the country doesn't have to tolerate security vulnerabilities created by New York's zeal to provide criminals with anonymity.
search3000 (Ulster, NY)
Other states have similar driver licensing of the undocumented IN ORDER to make them comply with INSURANCE requirements for their vehicles; they are not given the equivalent of Real-ID licenses either. These requirements protect other drivers in the event of accidents from uninsured motorists. Requiring court orders to reveal state information be disclosed is not unlawful. States already resisted providing voter information to this fetid administration...it's once again another charge of abuse of power that needs to be added against this administration and TRUMP
sam finn (california)
@search3000 Driver Licenses should not be issued until proof of insurance is provided, and if the insurance is not kept in force, the insurance company should be required to notify the DMV and the DMV should cancel the license, and the cancellation should reported to every police agency, including TSA.
Michael Blazin (Dallas, TX)
As the Homeland Secretary told the Governor, it has nothing to do with who gets the licenses. Customs requires access to the records of people that applied and signed away any restrictions on access. Customs is not going to file a court order every time someone from NY applies to GE.
Diana Nevins (Omaha, NE)
@sam finn You do know that a person doesn't need to own a car in order to obtain a driver's license? How do you propose someone get insurance when they don't own a vehicle?
Joe From Boston (Massachusetts)
The reasoning behind this rather prejudicial decision appears to be faulty to me. As part of my application for the Global Entry program, I was asked to prove my citizenship, and I provided my US passport as evidence. Only US citizens get US passports. People who are not documented do not get US passports. Clearly, I am not a foreign national, so there is no question about immigration issues. What could be the issue with any US citizen who lives in NY? This is just "payback" with a facially nonsensical rationale. The State of New York should sue the feds for discrimination, plain and simple. That would be yet another lawsuit that the Trump maladministration will lose, because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Michael Blazin (Dallas, TX)
Customs does a very deep background investigation of applicants. The passport is just a starting point. DMV records tell s lot about how a person lives.
Joe From Boston (Massachusetts)
@Michael Blazin I have held security clearances in my working days. I am sure the FBI looked at a lot more than my driving record. What can anybody find out from my DMV record? That I have been driving of about 60 years? That I have owned a few cars? That I have lived in a few different places? If I had robbed a few banks, why would that be apparent from my DMV record?
Philip Cafaro (Fort Collins, CO)
New York State, my home state, supports open borders. But most Americans don’t , and the state has no right to try to preempt the enforcement of federal immigration law. Liberals and conservatives both need to understand that immigration laws and policies are made at the federal level, and states need to defer That’s very well established in law, via Supreme Court cases. And it’s obviously necessary to have a workable immigration system. If you weren’t happy with Arizona or Alabama attempting to make immigration law, you shouldn’t accept the idea of New York or California trying to do so.
Toadhollow (Upstate)
@Philip Cafaro wrong, every border crossing on the Canadian border has a checkpoint where you have to show all your ID and answer all their questions plus they have the right to search your vehicle w/o a reason. How is that 'open'?
LindaP Ithaca (Ithaca)
@Philip Cafaro while you go through the process of Global Entry you are thoroughly vetted. your problem being....?
Nick (Brooklyn)
Republican's want undocumented immigrants picking their oranges but not driving on their roads. OK, sure.
boji3 (new york)
I don't know who to be angrier with- NYS with its obsession with placating illegals or Trump/DHS for this vengeful new law. But the solution is quite simple. When citizens of NY apply/reapply for GE there should be an 'opt-in' button online where one allows DHS to access driver license. Only those who opt-in give permission to DHS to access motor vehicle info, and those who do not opt in do not receive GE. Easy, clean, end of problem.
Tara (New York City)
@boji3 I understand your thinking, the problem is that driver's licenses are not required for Global Entry, so accessing DMV records is not germane. There are other, more serious ways they check you out; they take your fingerprints, for instance. You need a passport to apply for GE -- how many undocumented immigrants (they are "undocumented," after all) have a USA passport? How many would go near the application process for GE?
Michael Blazin (Dallas, TX)
The opt in is already in the process. When you apply for Global Entry, you waive any barriers in your control that might prevent Customs from knowing everything about you. NYS simply refuses to honor your opt in.
Mandarine (Manhattan)
@boji3 And if you don’t have a driver’s license? Then what?
MaryAnn (Cortland)
And how much of my taxes are going to pay for this?
kensbluck (Watermill, NY)
@DavidB Don't forget about all of you taxes going to bail out the farmers due to Trump's terrible tariff wars.
sam finn (california)
@MaryAnn Far, far less of your taxes are going to pay for this than my taxes going to pay for schools and health care for illegal aliens and their kids.
Susan (Marie)
A bunch of inconvenienced New Yorkers vs. national security. I wonder who will prevail in this lawsuit?
Tara (New York City)
@Susan NYC is a center for global commerce. GE saves everyone time, not just the people who have it. The application process is far more comprehensive that driver's license records reveal. Look it up. Finally, do you think there are no Republicans in New York? They have run our state government for decades. This is a ridiculous, capricious policy "decision."
rlkinny (New York)
@Susan NYC counter terrorism is a significant and integral component of national security. Turning international entry into NY into an inefficient and complicated mess IS a threat to our national security. You'd think a rational President might recognize that.
Yeah (Chicago)
Heh. Do conservatives still think they can slap the label of “national security” on any old decision and win the argument? Drivers licenses have nothing to do with the Global Entry program; the administration is ending an unrelated program solely to punish New Yorkers....and every American in line to re-enter the country.
TM (Dallas)
What else would you expect from the Trump administration. It's always against a blue state. This is just further evidence of how Trump divides the nation. Vote in 2020.
Jim Stevens (NY)
Let's move the discussion up 50,000 feet. Rather than give licenses to those not here lawfully, why don't Democrats say, "hey, yes, we believe in a strong border. But we'd like to increase the number of people we let in each year. Can't we talk about how to do that?" Start with something Republicans can agree with: borders. Then go from there. To solve the problem of folks who don't have a license by giving them one is, to me, backwards and sending the wrong message. You've not come here legally, but you can still get a license. Proponents say, well, those folks need a way to get to work or shop. That's backwards. They are not even here with permission. Why provide a legal means to do something for those not here legally? The focus should be on increasing legal immigration.
Tara (New York City)
@Jim Stevens The licenses are not simply to allow people here illegally to get around. They are to protect other drivers, in case of accidents. They force people who were driving around anyway to take a driving test, learn rules they might not have learned.
Hanna (le Midwest)
@Jim Stevens This is driven by insurers who want to reduce exposure to uninsured drivers. If a policyholder is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the insurer is responsible for paying the claim. When a license is issued, the driver must sign an affidavit and agree that they will obtain an auto policy that offers state-mandated minimum overages. If one does not have a license, an insurer will not issue a policy. Fourteen states issue licenses to undocumented residents. However, proof of identification is required. For example, a foreign birth certificate. These state IDs do not comply with the federal REAL ID law, which is basically an enhanced driver license that allows people to use certain driver licenses as ID for domestic travel in lieu of a passport.
Jim Stevens (NY)
@Tara again I would suggest the better strategy is to increase legal immigration.
Scott Kurant (Secauscus NJ)
If Trump wins again we will be living in a state of full authoritarianism. This was taken from Walter Schaub's spot on tweet about this administration's anti democratic recent actions: Senators are preparing to go after the whistleblower - DHS is going after New York - Barr is investigating DOJ employees for investigating Trump - Barr issued a policy requiring DOJ investigations of Trump or his political rivals to go through Barr Trump is going after witnesses for testifying to Congress - Trump and his allies are going after Romney - Senators, with help from Trump's Treasury Dept., are going after Trump's political rival and his son This will only get worse.
loma (new york)
@Scott Kurant this is politics as usual. dirty business. i'm not surprised.
Dbell48 (Owasco NY)
@loma The current "administration" actions are NOT "business as usual". This is how oligarchs operate in a dictatorship.
M. (California)
@loma with respect, there's nothing at all "usual" about this, and we should refuse to accept it.