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Stefanik, Cobb snipe over undocumented driver licenses

(Cobb photo by Watertown Daily Times, Stefanik photo by Post-Star)

On Saturday, the campaign of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik announced that she was joining a coalition of state groups opposing a proposal to allow undocumented immigrants in New York to obtain driver’s licenses.

Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, joined the New York state Republican and Conservative parties, as well as North Country Republican state senators and Assembly members, in opposing the proposal, along with a proposal to oppose sanctuary cities.

“The reckless immigration agenda of Democrats in Albany and in Washington, DC would make the already hard job of law enforcement officers even harder by implementing state policies that circumvent federal policy,” Stefanik was quoted as saying in a press release. “Let me be clear: I oppose giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, any expansion of sanctuary cities in NY, or any amnesty to illegal immigrants.”

Last week Stefanik also announced her opposition to H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, a proposal to create a path to permanent residency for some undocumented migrants, including migrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and those with temporary protected status following a major upheaval in their home country.

Stefanik tied her opposition to driving licenses and sanctuary cities to a criticism of her Democratic opponent Tedra Cobb of Canton.

“It is disappointing that my opponent supports giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, but has yet to stand up for what she believes in and to publicly endorse the new immigration policy of her own party,” Stefanik was quoted as saying.

Cobb’s campaign responded by saying she thinks people will be safer if all New York drivers are licensed — an argument supporters have made for giving undocumented immigrants access to licenses.

“I support ensuring that all New York drivers are licensed and insured,” Cobb was quoted as saying in a statement. “Unlike Cong. Stefanik who supports making New York roads less safe and giving drivers less recourse in the event of an accident.”

Cobb said Stefanik’s proposal would make New York roads less safe.

“More unlicensed, uninsured drivers on the roads is her idea of a good solution,” Cobb stated. “I disagree. … She should spend her remaining time in Congress working on bipartisan immigration reform that protects our borders and our families. While there won’t be a corporate (PAC) check for her support, it would be the right thing for her to finally do.”

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