“Fourteen other states plus Washington, D.C. have passed bills similar to New York’s Green Light Law; however, New York’s Green Light Law goes much further by restricting critical access to information from the DMV database by federal law enforcement agencies.

“Restricting access to the DMV database cripples ICE and Homeland Security. Imagine an individual attempting to cross the border into New York at one of our many border crossings. Previously, border security with access to DMV records could run the plate and learn, in real time, if the registration matched the vehicle. Under New York’s Green Light Law, which is more restrictive than even California’s, this critical information is no longer available to border agents. This is not only endangers the safety of New York residents, but also the border agents themselves.

“70 percent of joint terrorism task force disruptions stem from arrests for immigration violations. Our state needs to restore access to the database in order to ensure the public safety of all New Yorkers. This is not a partisan issue, although the problem was certainly created by the one-party rule Majority politicians in Albany. I am willing and ready to work with representatives at all levels of government to provide a solution that doesn’t jeopardize New Yorkers’ public safety. Unfortunately, as was stated at today’s press conference, the Green Light Law represents pre-9/11 thinking in a post-9/11 world.”