Rep. Claudia Tenney Introduces Bill to Withhold Federal Highway Funds from States Granting Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Immigrants
FIRST ON FOX – Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, has reintroduced legislation aimed at penalizing states that issue driver’s licenses and identification cards to undocumented immigrants. The initiative has sparked renewed debate on immigration policy and state rights amid rising tensions surrounding illegal immigration across the United States.
The Red Light Act: An Overview
Tenney’s legislative proposal, known as the Red Light Act, was brought forward at the commencement of the new congressional term. The bill seeks to withhold federal highway funding from states that provide driver’s licenses or identification cards to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. The stated purpose of the proposal is to ensure consistency with federal immigration laws, particularly in light of the ongoing migrant crisis affecting various states.
In her statement to Fox News Digital, Tenney expressed her concerns regarding the facilitation of illegal immigration through local policies. “Our nation is grappling with an unprecedented migrant crisis, yet some states, like New York, are incentivizing and rewarding criminals with driver’s licenses and identification cards,” she stated strongly.
The Controversial Green Light Law
The backdrop to Tenney’s latest legislative push is the Green Light Law, passed by the New York state legislature in 2019 and signed into law by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. This notable piece of legislation allows undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licenses, reflecting New York’s sanctuary policies that aim to protect these individuals from deportation.
The law also mandates that the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) withhold personal records from federal authorities, like the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unless a court order is presented. Critics, including law enforcement leaders, have denounced the Green Light Law as “legislating obstruction,” arguing that it undermines the enforcement of immigration laws and poses public safety risks.
Responses to the Proposed Bill
In reaction to Tenney’s bill and growing criticism of the Green Light Law, Tom Homan, the incoming border czar for the Trump administration, has expressed strong opposition to New York’s stance. Drawing from his own experiences as a resident of upstate New York, Homan suggested a dramatic measure: barring vehicles with New York license plates from entering the U.S. from Canada unless the state repeals the Green Light Law. This declaration has added fuel to an already heated debate.
“To me, this is a high priority,” Homan said, emphasizing the importance of New York’s immigration policies to his personal and professional concerns. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has dismissed Homan’s proposal, calling it “bizarre” and suggesting that the state should engage in dialogue rather than employing punitive measures that could restrict movement across borders.
Details of the Red Light Act
Key provisions of Tenney’s bill would grant the Secretary of Transportation the authority to withhold federal highway funds entirely for states that continue to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented individuals. Specifically, the act would affect fiscal allocations starting in 2025, with the potential for subsequent financial repercussions year after year.
Moreover, the legislation allows for the reallocation of those funds to states that actively choose to repeal laws enabling identification issuance to illegal immigrants. Tenney’s goal with this bill is to incentivize compliance with federal immigration policies while ensuring the safety and security of American communities.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Policy in America
This legislative battle forms part of a broader national discourse around immigration reform in the United States. As states develop their own policies regarding undocumented residents, clashes between state governance and federal laws become increasingly common. Supporters argue that states have the right to enact policies that reflect their values, while critics warn that such measures can undermine national security and public safety.
The tension evident in the debate surrounding driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and local jurisdictions. With various stakeholders emphasizing diverse perspectives, the discussion continues to evolve amid an ongoing crisis fueled by rising numbers of migrants at the southern border and throughout the country.
