The attorney general of New York filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s administration over a new policy banning state residents from federal Trusted Traveler programs.
“New Yorkers will not be held hostage by an Administration intent on restraining the sovereign rights of states, while it simultaneously enacts discriminatory policies across the country,” the state’s Attorney General Letitia James said in a Monday statement. “The Trump Administration’s new policy not only negatively impacts travelers, workers, commerce, and our economy, but it jeopardizes public safety.”
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She added, “No one should ever use our nation’s security as a political weapon, let alone the commander-in-chief.”
The lawsuit was filed against U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, and it argues that the new policy violates New York’s rights as a sovereign state.
The Trump administration had previously alleged that New York had prevented the federal government from properly vetting individuals applying to the program.
This has nothing to do with illegal aliens receiving drivers licenses. NY is the ONLY state to shut off CBP access to DMV records used for law enforcement purposes in our homeland security mission. Without access, CBP cannot vet Trusted Traveler applicants. It’s that simple.
— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) February 9, 2020
Democratic lawmakers have slammed the administration’s move.
“Trusted Traveler programs exist to improve security and travel efficiency, and barring access for millions of Americans will only undermine those goals,” House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson said.
Trusted Travelers programs allow members “to use expedited lanes at United States airports and when crossing international borders.”
