Rep. Claudia Tenney's Bill Targets Federal Funding for States Issuing Licenses to Illegal Immigrants

Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, has re-introduced a legislative measure known as the Red Light Act aimed at addressing the issue of states providing driver's licenses and identification cards to illegal immigrants. This bill proposes to cut federal highway funding for states that engage in such practices, with a particular focus on New York, which has been criticized for its Green Light Law that allows undocumented individuals to obtain driver's licenses.

Tenney, who has previously co-chaired the House Election Integrity Caucus, voiced her concerns about the implications of this law, arguing that it incentivizes criminal behavior and endangers communities. By implementing the Green Light Law, New York has restricted law enforcement's ability to access DMV records related to undocumented immigrants, which, according to Tenney, hinders the enforcement of immigration laws and puts public safety at risk.

The legislation would grant power to the secretary of transportation to withhold federal highway funding entirely for states that do not amend their laws to prevent the issuance of such identification to undocumented immigrants. As discussions around immigration and vehicle border access continue, figures like Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan have suggested more drastic measures, including blocking New York-licensed vehicles at the border if the state does not reverse its policies. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized such proposals as impractical.