Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is introducing legislation that delivers tough financial consequences to states that flout federal immigration enforcement and harm public safety and national security. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) are cosponsoring the legislation and Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) is leading twenty-one members in introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act blocks certain federal funds to sanctuary states, including states that defy federal immigration enforcement or that allow illegal aliens to get driver licenses without proof of lawful presence. Senator Blackburn’s legislation is the latest in a string of efforts to crack down on sanctuary cities and states and ensure that state and local governments are cooperating with immigration enforcement officials. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would be cutting New York out of the Global Trusted Traveler program following a new state law prohibiting immigration agents from accessing motor vehicle records. On Monday, Attorney General Bill Barr announced multiple lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions.
In particular, The Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act halts certain Department of Justice grant funding to states that defy federal immigration law. Non-complying states will no longer enjoy access to millions of dollars in funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The JAG program provides substantial support on a yearly basis to states for local law enforcement and criminal justice initiatives. In FY 2019, states that issued driver licenses to illegal immigrants received nearly $53 million from this program. This law will require states that issue driver licenses to illegal aliens or states that fail to share immigration enforcement information with the DHS to return unallocated funds to the JAG program within 30 days. Further, these states will be ineligible to receive future JAG funds until they comply with the driver's license and federal information-sharing provisions.
The REAL ID Act was passed in the wake of 9/11, after the terrorist hijackers easily obtained state driver licenses allowing them to board planes to launch their deadly attacks. Now, less than 20 years later, over a dozen states are already working to reverse efforts to ensure identification security. Some state laws, like California’s law and New York’s Green Light Law, go further than providing driver licenses to illegal aliens. Many of these sanctuary states also forbid local authorities from transferring information about potentially dangerous criminal aliens to DHS. Just last month, in New York City, a 92-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by an illegal alien who was released from custody, despite being subject to a federal detainer—due to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s lax sanctuary city policy.
In 2018, 22-year-old Pierce Corcoran of Knoxville, was fatally struck in a head-on collision caused by an illegal alien who was later deported. In 2019, another Knoxville resident, Debbie Burgess, was killed in a hit and run accident caused by an illegal alien with a lengthy criminal history. These tragedies are not limited to Tennessee.
“Tennesseans know all too well what can happen when illegal immigrants are granted driver licenses. While Tennessee and many other states prohibit driver licenses for illegal aliens, a growing number of states are moving in the opposite direction and unleashing dangerous open borders policies. Immigrants must follow the proper federal process and obtain citizenship or lawful status before obtaining a state driver license. In America, no one is above the law.” said Senator Blackburn.
“We shouldn’t legitimize those who break our immigration laws by giving them driver licenses. Unfortunately, states like California give illegal immigrants driver licenses and help them hide from federal law. Our bill will make sure that federal grants will only go to states who uphold our rule of law," said Senator Cotton.
“States granting licenses to illegal immigrants undermine our immigration laws and threaten public safety. Our legislation imposes real consequences on states which ignore federal law but still take millions in federal funds. It’s a commonsense step toward making America more safe," said Senator Cramer.
“West Virginians believe that our immigration laws should be enforced, State governments should not circumvent—or blatantly obstruct—federal immigration law by providing driver licenses to those who choose to enter this country in violation of our laws. I am pleased to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this common-sense bill that penalizes states whose actions are antithetical to the enforcement of federal immigration law," said Senator Capito, Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
“As we’ve seen time and time again, there are real public safety risks and tragic consequences that arise when cities or states refuse to help enforce immigration laws. Sanctuary states are evading federal laws and providing safe havens for illegal immigrants, some of which have criminal records. This is unacceptable and these states should face consequences for their dangerous policies. That’s why I’m proud to join this effort to reduce funding for states that needlessly endanger public safety by enacting policies that directly contradict federal law," said Senator Loeffler.
“When our immigration laws go unenforced, our communities are less safe. These laws are on the books for a reason and it is inexcusable for them to be ignored. Our bill simply ensures that law enforcement across the country works to get criminals off the streets, to protect our nation, and to keep our communities safe," said Senator Joni Ernst, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“We are a nation of laws. If state and local governments fail to uphold our laws that seek to stop dangerous criminals and keep families safe, there should be consequences. These laws are on the books to improve public safety and strengthen national security. I support withholding access to certain federal grants if states don’t comply with these federal statutes,” said Senator Rounds.
“Just last year in my home state of Colorado, Sean Buchanan, a loving father of five, was struck and killed by Miguel Ramirez Valiente, an illegal immigrant who was driving under a suspended state-issued driver’s license. Ramirez Valiente should have been deported after a DUI conviction, but because of Colorado’s sanctuary laws, officials provided him sanctuary and shielded him from deportation. Sean’s tragedy was completely preventable. Congress cannot stand by and let another family go through a tragic loss like the Buchanans did. That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation with Sen. Marsha Blackburn to stop these dangerous green-light sanctuary laws from wreaking havoc on communities across the country,” Rep. Buck said.
The bill text is available here.
For the full release, please visit Blackburn.senate.gov
