LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — Officials in Niagara County are advising residents to consider getting passports to fly, rather than relying on New York state driver's licenses.
It's all related to the state's controversial green light law that's supposed to be in effect on October 1st, 2020.
“As we have now seen, the federal government does not trust documentation coming out of New York State because of Governor Cuomo’s failed Greenlight legislation that gave illegal immigrants driver’s licenses,” said Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski. “The Governor did not consult Homeland Security and did not consult with County Clerks who have to implement this law and now we are all dealing with the consequences.”
Niagara County Legislature Chair Rebecca Wydysh warns about travelers not wanting to visit due to fears of being denied a spot on a domestic flight.
“Regardless of how you feel about allowing driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, the state’s overreach in banning federal authorities from the DMV database is going to negatively impact our community, particularly cross border traffic,” said Wydysh. “I do not want to see people who are booking flights and planning vacations left unable to fly because TSA decides it won’t accept their New York-issued Real ID or Enhances driver’s license.”
You can find more information on how to obtain a passport, here.
