Write a commentFollowing an announcement today by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it has suspended its Global Entry and Trusted Traveler programs for New York residents in response to New York’s new ‘Green Light Law,’ U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to prioritize the safety of New York state residents by working with DHS to make policy reforms.
Rep. Katko, who has previously criticized the impact of this legislation, today confirmed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that New York is currently the only state in the country that does not grant an exception for CBP to access DMV records for trusted traveler programs verifications. Without this access, DHS is unable to thoroughly vet applicants to Trusted Traveler Programs. Critical to our national security and safety in New York State, ICE utilized DMV records to combat a range of serious criminal exploits including drug smuggling, child exploitation, human trafficking, and drug and weapons trafficking. Accordingly, New York State residents are now prohibited from enrolling or re-enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
Rep. Katko wrote, “This overreaching policy, and sanctuary policies as a whole not only impact New York State, but they have significant federal implications and, as we have seen with this shift in DHS policy, can harm state and federal cooperation. Restricting access to state DMV databases prevents federal agencies from carrying out their national security missions and opens up our nation and our communities to immeasurable threats. In addition to the security gaps this policy presents, it is now inconveniencing New York State travelers and businesses. It is critical to the interests of New York residents and our national security, that the negative ramifications of this policy be addressed.”
Katko urged Cuomo to take swift action to remedy this far-reaching and disastrous policy, and offered to facilitate a discussion between New York State and DHS through his role on the House Homeland Security Committee.
The text of Rep. Katko’s letter can be found below:
February 6, 2020
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I am writing to once again express my concern over the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, a recent NYS law, which restricted the Department of Homeland Security’s access to New York Department of Motor Vehicle databases and in doing so, has harmed the safety and well-being of New York State residents. This dramatic and far-reaching policy shift is the only one of its kind in the nation and, as a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it will prevent NYS residents from enrolling or re-enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST, and exporting used vehicles titled and registered in New York. The effect of this change on New York State travelers, businesses, and our State as a whole cannot be understated.
The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act forbids New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) officials from providing, with few exceptions, driver’s license and vehicle registration information to DHS, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since this policy was first proposed, I have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact it would have on the security, safety, and everyday lives of New York residents. CBP relied on DMV access to thoroughly vet applicants to Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, as well as commercial programs including FAST, which allows truck drivers to enter or exit the United States more quickly. CBP also required DMV access to establish ownership of vehicles to approve their export. Critical to our national security and safety in New York State, ICE utilized DMV records to combat a range of serious criminal exploits including drug smuggling, child exploitation, human trafficking, and drug and weapons trafficking.
This overreaching policy, and sanctuary policies as a whole not only impact New York State, but they have significant federal implications and, as we have seen with this shift in DHS policy, can harm state and federal cooperation. Restricting access to state DMV databases prevents federal agencies from carrying out their national security missions and opens up our nation and our communities to immeasurable threats. In addition to the security gaps this policy presents, it is now inconveniencing New York State travelers and businesses. It is critical to the interests of New York residents and our national security, that the negative ramifications of this policy be addressed.
I encourage you to work with the Department of Homeland Security to rectify these issues and prioritize the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. In my role on the Committee on Homeland Security, I am ready and willing to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate these discussions and advocate for a resolution that protects New York residents and our national security.
Sincerely,
John Katko
Member of Congress
