BUFFALO, N.Y. — New Yorkers can now enroll, or re-enroll, in programs such as Nexus and Global Entry after a ban that was put in place by the Department of Homeland Security was rescinded Thursday.
Late last year, New York passed the Green Light Law, which allowed people to apply for drivers licenses without proving if they were in the United States legally. The law also forbid federal immigration authorities from accessing DMV records.
The Department of Homeland Security responded with a ban on New Yorkers accessing Trusted Traveler programs.
Governor Andrew Cuomo stated on Thursday that following discussions with President Donald Trump at the White House, New York State was able to address the situation in the state's budget. The budget passed in April.
"After the Department of Homeland Security announced the ban on the Trusted Traveler Program for New York residents in February, I immediately met with President Trump at the White House to discuss what -- to the extent that there were bonafide concerns -- needed to be done to address the issue while still protecting the privacy of all New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said.
He added: "Subsequently the matter was dealt with in the state budget passed in April. I am glad that this issue has finally been resolved for all New Yorkers."
According to a news release from the Department of Homeland Security, New York amended the Green Light Law to expressly allow for information-sharing of New York DMV records “as necessary for an individual seeking acceptance into a trusted traveler program, or to facilitate vehicle imports and/or exports.”
Congressman Brian Higgins, who represents the 26th Congressional District, expresses his support for the decision through a statement.
"Law-abiding Americans and northern border commerce were collateral damage in this policy targeting New Yorkers," he said Thursday. "We have been calling on the State and Federal governments to negotiate in good faith to resolve this dispute and we are a pleased they’ve reached an agreement.
"However, it comes at a time when the Northern Border is closed to the free flow of people due to the Administration’s failed leadership on the pandemic. We want the Northern Border reopened to all, but that won’t happen until the Administration takes this health emergency seriously and works to bring down surging COVID cases across the United States.”