MI Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants

[KLAW Blog]

Undocumented immigrants could obtain a Michigan driver license or state identification card under Democratic legislation that sponsors hope to make law this year.

Supporters say that giving more illegal immigrants legal permission to drive to work, medical appointments or other functions without the threat of arrest or deportation is a matter of “human dignity” that would benefit the economy, including farmers who rely on seasonal labor.

“It is not the state government’s purview or job to fix our broken immigration system,” House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, said.

 

“We’re not going to wait for the federal government to act to make sure that all Michiganders are going to be safe.”

Advocates argue that House bills 4410-4412 and Senate bills 265-267 would help protect people on the roads.

A lack of legal documentation can prompt drivers to flee the scene of an accident or their broken-down car out of fear of deportation.

“My colleagues and I will do everything we can to make sure that we have the votes that are necessary to get these bills passed and signed into law,” Senate Civil Rights Committee Chair Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, told reporters. 

“There’s not an apple, blueberry, asparagus, turkey, egg (farm) that this legislation wouldn’t help,” said Rob Steffens. “Our people want to follow the law, but they can’t.”

Read the rest here at BridgeMI

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FAQs

Q: What do Michigan House bills 4410-4412 do?

A: Michigan House bills 4410-4412 would make noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards available to applicants who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

Q: Why are these bills being introduced?

A: The bills are being introduced to address the needs of undocumented immigrants and other noncitizens who need a driver’s license or state identification card for driving, employment, and other purposes.

Q: Who would be eligible for a noncommercial Michigan driver’s license or state identification card under these bills?

A: To be eligible for a noncommercial Michigan driver’s license or state identification card under these bills, an applicant must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a resident of Michigan
• Meet all other requirements for a driver’s license or state identification card, except for the requirement of proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status

Q: How would noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards be different from regular Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards?

A: Noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards would have the same appearance and function as regular Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards, except that they would be marked “NONCOMMERCIAL” and would not be valid for travel outside of the United States.

Q: When would these bills take effect if they are passed?

A: If these bills are passed and signed into law, they would take effect on October 1, 2024.

Additional information:

The bills were introduced by Representative Stephanie Chang on September 28, 2023.
The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Please note that this is just a summary of the legislation and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about the legislation, you should consult with an attorney.

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