Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is urging New York state to address what he describes as chaos at the northern border, calling for the repeal of the state’s “Green Light Law” to enhance border security.
Citing a surge in illegal immigration from Canada, Barclay noted that Border Patrol encountered 19,000 migrants in August, with nearly half entering through New York. He expressed concern for upstate communities already grappling with migrants bused into New York City from the southern border.
“Having safe, secure borders is a right every American deserves,” Barclay said in a statement. “The idea we should be aware of who enters the country has somehow been deemed as negotiable in recent years. It is not, and the rhetoric surrounding these concepts has become dangerous.”
Members of the Assembly Minority Conference, including Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River), have introduced legislation to repeal the “Green Light Law.” The law currently prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing records with agencies that primarily enforce immigration law and requires state and local law enforcement to certify that such records won’t be used for civil immigration purposes.
Barclay and his colleagues recently met with law enforcement officials from St. Lawrence, Clinton, Franklin, and Jefferson counties to discuss ways to improve border security, including the potential repeal of the law in border counties. State Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) also participated in the discussions.
“Our proposal would restore that cooperation, which never should have been inhibited in the first place,” Barclay said.
Critics of the “Green Light Law,” including the Center for Immigration Studies, argue that it allows individuals with “nefarious intentions” to obtain legitimate state-issued identification based solely on foreign documentation. They contend that the law hinders public safety and complicates relationships between law enforcement agencies.
“As a nation, we have always welcomed those looking for a better life. We will continue to do so, but we must also consider the needs of those who live here, pay taxes, and use public services,” Barclay said. “Right now, Americans do not feel secure, and that is unacceptable.”
Barclay emphasized the importance of following laws intended to keep all residents safe, including immigrants. He called for a cooperative relationship between state agencies and federal immigration authorities to address the issues at the northern border effectively.
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