SUMMARY

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Drivers Licenses for Immigrant Farmworkers
Policy Considerations for New York State
SUMMARY The Cornell Farmworker Program is
dedicated to improving the living and working
conditions of farmworkers and their families
through research, education and extension. As
part of recent in-depth interviews with
farmworkers about their social and economic
integration in New York State, immigrant
farmworkers expressed widespread interest in
obtaining access to drivers licenses. The
Cornell Farmworker Programs research indicates
that New York States drivers license policy
does not meet the needs of its rural residents,
particularly those of immigrant farmworkers who
provide the necessary labor to support New Yorks
3.6 billion agricultural industry. Rural New
Yorkers are concerned that this policy prevents
immigrants from purchasing auto insurance and
therefore jeopardizes road safety. An analysis
of data from the 2007 Empire State Poll found
that the majority of respondents were in favor of
allowing undocumented immigrants to legally drive
in NYS. Furthermore, our research with rural
businesses revealed their interest in serving the
needs of New Yorks growing farmworker
population. However, farmworkers expressed that
they were unable to patronize local businesses
due to lack of transportation. Based on our
research, farmworkers perceive drivers licenses
to be critical to their involvement in our
communities, to personal safety and well being,
and to their ability to engage in local commerce.
THE ISSUES Most farmworkers live in rural areas
of the state with limited availability of public
transportation. Unlicensed workers are therefore
forced to rely heavily on employers or friends
for transportation to work, schools, health
clinics, stores, banks and libraries. Since
these arrangements are often inconsistent and
unreliable, farmworkers frequently experience
isolation and may be unable to access critical
services. In meetings with farmworkers, many
voiced interest in learning how licenses have
been made available to immigrants in other
states, and expressed hope that similar policies
could be implemented in New York State. To
address these concerns, the Cornell Farmworker
Program conducted research to evaluate the
experiences of other states that have provided
access to drivers licenses for immigrants, and
examined federal legislation surrounding drivers
licenses, and legislative proposals for New York
State. This research outlines the experiences of
Tennessee, Utah, North Carolina, and New York in
providing driving options for immigrants.
August, 2007

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GENERAL FINDINGS Through our research, we found
that providing immigrants with access to licenses
increases public safety and, furthermore, most
immigrants who have received licenses through
immigrant licensing programs in other states have
purchased and maintained auto insurance policies.
Licenses benefit public safety by ensuring that
all drivers have passed a road test and an eye
examination. Licenses provide a pathway for
immigrants with no choice but to drive to do so
legally and safelya benefit to all New York
State residents. The Real ID Act of 2005,
however, should it go into effect in 2008, will
prevent complying states from issuing full
licenses to immigrant farmworkers. The Real ID
Act will only permit states to issue
nonconforming licenses to immigrants, which will
not be valid as federal ID. While nonconforming
licenses have been issued in other states,
including Tennessee and Utah, they are less
desirable as they can potentially be used to
identify ones immigration status. Our research
suggests that this would endanger immigrants and
deter individuals from obtaining a nonconforming
license. In addition, our research reveals the
tremendous monetary burden that the Real ID Act
would place on New Yorkers, estimated at 11
billion nationwide (84 million annually for NYS)
by the National Conference of State
Legislatures. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Our analysis
of the research and subsequent discussions with
farmworkers, employers and service providers
leads us to conclude that New York State should
reject the Real ID Act and offer immigrants full
New York licenses. These actions would better
public safety and improve immigrant farmworkers
quality of life. While rejecting the Real ID Act
may potentially cause New York licenses to no
longer be valid forms of federal identification,
policy makers should consider that seventeen
states have already issued a statement of
non-compliance. This suggests the possibility of
the Real ID Act being repealed, should New York
also reject the Act.
For full report contact Mary Jo
Dudley Director, Cornell Farmworker Program 321
Warren Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
farmworkers_at_cornell.edu http//devsoc.cals.cornel
l.edu/outreach/cfp/