Rachel Silberstein reports in the Albany Times Union that a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses passed in the state Senate June 17. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill shortly after its passage. The Senate passed the "Green Light Bill" narrowly, 33 to 29. Republicans said the bill incentivizes breaking the law, and that non-citizens will use the licenses to vote. Other Republicans, made different arguments, such as Daphne Jordan, who represents Columbia and Rensselaer counties, and said during the debate, “Why do these immigrants choose to remain undocumented?” Democrats voting for the bill said it would increase driving safety and allow undocumented immigrants to reach jobs and medical appointments. "Today, we give you the freedom to move around this state without fear," said state Sen. Luis Sepulveda, a Bronx-based Democrat. "You deserve to live a life without fear.... Today’s vote helps support the promise of the American dream and will stand as a light of hope to so many of our immigrant friends... who live in the shadows." Twelve other states have passed similar laws. Read more about this story in the Albany Times Union.

State Sen. Daphne Jordan, a Republican from Saratoga County, asks, “Why do these immigrants choose to remain undocumented?”

Sen. Luis Sepulveda, a Bronx Democrat who sponsors the bill, replies that it is because it’s hard to get citizenship.

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) June 17, 2019