New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said Friday that he will sue the Trump administration for its decision this week to revoke New Yorkers' access to Trusted Traveler programs in retaliation for the state's so-called sanctuary policies.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced Wednesday night that the administration would no longer allow New York to participate in its Global Entry or other Trusted Traveller programs because of a New York law that limits immigration agents' access to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles data.
The "Green Light Law," which went into effect in December, allows unauthorised immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in New York, and limits immigration authorities' access to that license data. The Department of Homeland Security contends that it needs access to state DMV information in order to properly vet applicants to its Trusted Traveler programs, which allow certain U.C. Citizens and permanent residents to enjoy expedited entry into the United States when they return from international travel.
The government's move to terminate New York's access to the programs is expected to affect 175,000 New Yorkers by the end of the year, as well as slow down vehicle exports from the state.
Cuomo on Friday described the administration's action as "extortion" and "an abuse of power," and likened it to President Donald Trump's decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine until Ukrainian authorities agreed to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.