New York Governor Andrew Cuomo met with President Donald Trump on Thursday in an effort to keep the state enrolled in the trusted traveler programs. The programs help travelers avoid long security lines at border crossings and during reentry to the U.S.
Cuomo has met with President Trump over other issues. He admits they haven’t had the best track record.
“I have never been successful. So if you’re asking me do I have a high expectation of success, NO! But it makes me feel better knowing I did everything I can or could to argue for the state of New York.”
Cuomo says he feels it’s part of his role as governor to at least try.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security suspended the traveler programs for New York residents over a state law that allows undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses.
Cuomo said he is open to sharing some of that data with ICE.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul explained that if New Yorkers are applying for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI programs, “We will make your DMV information available to the federal agencies involved. That, that solves it.”
Hochul says the Trump administration is just punishing New York for “common sense” laws.