Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The @ma_senate looks forward to overriding this misguided decision.". Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China) All rights reserved. It prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles from asking about or keeping documents related to immigration status. ", Chris Doughty, who is also running for governor as a Republican, circulated a petition on his campaign website in the wake of the override slamming the move and calling for voters to "tell the Legislature right now that you are AGAINST this decision.". 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This legislation is distracting us not just from the needs of U.S. citizens but even people here who are here illegally. Starting July 1, 2023, anyone in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status can apply for a standard driver's license. The vote was 32 to 8, with five Democrats voting with the chambers Republicans against the bill, State House News Service (SHNS) reported. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File), The Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. "We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate," Crighton said. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. That included Steve Kropper, co-chairman of Mass Coalition for Immigration Reform, who said he is a registered Democrat. At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. Opponents of undocumented drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting. With respect to our Congressional delegation, whos fighting the good fight, do we really think that Congress is going to find consensus on meaningful immigration reform anytime soon?. The law passed by Massachusetts state lawmakers this summer prohibits immigrants without legal permission to reside in the U.S. from being automatically registered to vote. State House News Service | However, for right now and today, I am looking forward to the ceremonial bill-signing," Senate President Karen Spilka told reporters about half an hour before gathering with other lawmakers, union leaders and activists for a "bill signing" ceremony in the State Library, across the building from the governor's office. |News Applicants who cannot provide proof of lawful The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. "Indeed, many of our policy chiefs support the bill as a public safety tool and agree that it will enable law enforcement to better identify individuals at traffic stops or scenes of an accident.". We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advance Parole, news on DAPA, and much more. Phil Murphy in December 2019 after a long debate, allows for a standard drivers license to be issued to immigrants regardless of legal status. We did change some of the bill and made sure that we're really clear on the types of documents people need to provide to get licenses, said Rep. Christine Barber, lead co-sponsor of the House bill. This law provides driver's licenses to applicants who submit a valid foreign passport or consular identification and proof of residency, regardless of legal A Suffolk University-Boston Globe poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published Monday found that 46.6% of residents oppose the measure, while 46.1% support it. Those seeking a license must present at least two documents. The conference committee that took months to produce an accord agreed to give prospective voters 10 more days before an election to register, but they opted against a Senate-approved policy allowing new voters to register and cast a ballot in one trip to the polls. The new law will allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. The new law will allow immigrants without legal status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. The measure is about being safe on the road, according to Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. Some who opposed the bill agreed with Gomez on one part of his testimony: that it is a pro-business bill. Banking as an Undocumented Immigrant. This bill would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard state drivers license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. Even After Investigation, Stoneham Cop Hasn't Paid Dime of Rent to New Landlord, Tracking the Next Hit of Wintry Weather Headed to New England, Due Late Week, Power Lines Crash Onto Cars, Trucks for Blocks in Stoneham; Cause Unknown, Rescuers Capture Bald Eagle Believed to Be Critically Sickened by Rat Poison. The bill also states that immigrants eligible for the drivers licenses would not be registered to vote as a result. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. House and Senate leaders will need to agree on final language to send to Baker's desk, which they could try to do informally senators previously said the changes they made before bringing the proposal to the floor were technical in nature or by appointing a conference committee. 109. Even Baker, who argued that allowing immigrants without legal status to apply for standard driver's licenses could spiral into ineligible residents registering to vote, accepted that he was fighting a losing battle. The bill still requires approval by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. As of 2016, there are about 250,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, according to a report from the American Immigration Council. But youve found it. Critics contend it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten the electoral process. Mass. An aide to Baker said he supports existing state laws that allow those in the country legally to obtain drivers licenses. On Thursday, Crighton said, On the issue of voting, weve debunked it again and again, and again.. By, Advocates push for Mass. We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said. Baker on Monday said his administration would "start the process of implementing it pretty much immediately.". Thats a problem, Baker said. To apply for a license, someone without legal presence would need to provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or a consular identification document as well as at least one of five other documents: a driver's license from another state, a foreign driver's license, a birth certificate, a foreign national ID card, or a marriage certificate from any U.S. territory. DUTIES. The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. "I'm not throwing stones, (but) I filed legislation three years ago, before the pandemic, to significantly shift investments in primary care, addiction services, behavioral health and gerontology because we underfund those things. Vote No On All, Massachusetts Bill Would Provide Free College For Illegal, Massachusetts Senate Bill Would Provide In-State Tuition To, With Howitzers and Helicopters, Western States Trigger, Three Massachusetts Members of Congress Backing, Elizabeth Warren Wants To See More Defense Contractors, Maura Healey To Release Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget This Week, West Roxbury State Rep Cashing In With Massachusetts Biotechnology Council Gig. The licenses would not become available until July 1, 2023. State Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville) was among those who cited economic reasons for giving drivers licenses to illegals. Notably, the news service reported, the bill would only allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard Massachusetts license, not a Real ID license, which will be required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings about a year from now. The votes were there to pass the bill and Democrats in both branches flexed their political muscles in a 24-hour span to cement the licensing bill as law by clearing the two thirds hurdle needed for a veto override. Road safety and immigration reform advocates spent years unsuccessfully pressing lawmakers to act, arguing that expanding license access would ensure undocumented immigrants who already live in Massachusetts are properly tested before getting on the road and rein in their fears of law enforcement entanglement. Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. ", The gubernatorial candidate told business leaders she is among those concerned about the statewide housing shortage and the high costs of living, two days before the man she hopes to succeed in the corner office delivered a similar message dubbing the lack of available and affordable housing an "existential threat.". Nick Collins of Boston, Anne Gobi of Spencer, Marc Pacheco of Taunton, Walter Timilty of Milton and John Velis of Westfield voted against the bill, as did all three Republican senators Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, Ryan Fattman of Sutton and Patrick O'Connor of Weymouth. It could also prevent undocumented immigrants from fleeing police during a traffic stop for the sake of preventing identification as an undocumented immigrant and risking deportation, supporters say, according to SHNS. Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. "We can't have this in here. Many argue that we should let the federal government do its job when it comes to immigration reform. "We still need to do something like that if we really want to get our arms around this.". Baker vetoed the bill on May 27, saying the Registry of Motor Vehicles did not have the capacity to verify the identities of immigrants without legal status and arguing that the bill "significantly increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote.". Legislature Overrides Gov. The bill, however, didnt gain Senate Appropriations Committee approval, which was needed because of the BMVs estimated $1.4 million cost to develop the new license. Charlie Bakers veto. She's covered politics, immigration, incarceration, and health for The Guardian, DigBoston, The Boston Globe, and The Associated Press. (Thomas Kurmeier via Getty Images), "We are a nation of immigrants. WebMIRA is proud to be part of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, which is advocating for the Work and Family Mobility Act). We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advance Parole, news on DAPA, and much more. These newly-licensed drivers will generate about $6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years. Proponents of the bill have touted it as beneficial for road safety, the news service reported, asserting that the approximately 185,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts would be tested before driving. "Sorry, we can't have this," Brownsberger told the crowd. A bill that would make undocumented immigrants eligible for Massachusetts driver's licenses, appears poised for passage this week after more than 20 years in the making. Skeptics and opponents of the bill should look to the experience of the 16 states that have already adopted similar measures, said Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, a Springfield Democrat and son of immigrants. The Democratic-controlled Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a bill that will allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses. The Massachusetts State Senate will debate whether undocumented immigrants should be able to get drivers licenses in formal session Thursday morning. ", "We are once again overcome with happiness, pride and gratitude for today's historic vote in the Massachusetts Senate," 32BJ SEIU Vice President Roxana Rivera and Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason, who together lead the coalition, said in a joint statement. Room 8055, 5th floor. Currently, thirteen states and the District of Columbia have made a major investment in highway and public safety by allowing undocumented residents to apply for limited-purpose license and We have far more important problems to fix, Kropper said. I dont support drivers licenses for people who are undocumented, Baker said during a 2014 GBH debate. This isnt a slam dunk in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure.. WebMIRA is proud to be part of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, which is advocating for the Work and Family Mobility Act). Ensure that financial reports are prepared according to LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements. Thats because the states Republican governor, Charlie Baker, opposes giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Were talking about a situation now where, under the current statute as I understand it, all the rules associated with determining lawful presence are going to go away. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. He also said that Massachusetts cannot wait for Congress to offer protections for people who are in the country illegally. Charlie Baker. In your inbox every Thursday morning. The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. "I have very grave concerns about the impacts this bill will have on public safety and the integrity of our elections," Rep. Steve Xiarhos, a Republican, said Wednesday on social media. New to NewBostonPost? Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers. Join us. Drivers licenses for these people will only serve to encourage more undocumented people to move to Massachusetts.. Surely, we shouldnt have to rely on Charlie Baker, a Republican, and my former junior high classmate, to veto a measure that harms those at the bottom of the economic ladder.. By 2019, 50,000 undocumented immigrants had taken written exams, vision tests, and road tests to get drivers licenses. February 16, 2022 20 BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state The new rules would apply to those who do not have proof they are in the country legally, including those not eligible for a Social Security number. Charlie Baker. The bill provides illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain a drivers license in the Commonwealth starting in July 2023. Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain driver's licenses after state lawmakers voted Thursday to override a veto from Republican Gov. "Allowing parents to drive their kids to school, take them to doctor's appointments or be in charge of carpooling to take their kids to soccer, all without the concern they may be separated if they are pulled over, will allow children of undocumented immigrants to breath and have a sigh of relief," said Sen. Adam Gomez, a Springfield Democrat and one of the bill's main sponsors. Nick Collins of Boston, Anne Gobi of Spencer, Marc Pacheco of Taunton, Walter Timilty of Milton, and John Velis of Westfield voted against the bill, joining the Senates three Republicans, SHNS reported. Attorney General Maura Healey implored Bay State employers to think about abortion laws, too, saying that heightened restrictions being put in place in other states could cost billions of dollars in productivity "because it actually affects whether women go to school, stay in school, join the workforce, stay in the workforce, contribute to our economy. Rep. Paul Frost, a Republican from Auburn, said it would encourage immigrants to come to Massachusetts without trying to obtain legal status. Charlie Baker's formal opposition. That's a problem," Baker said Thursday morning. All rights reserved, Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter, Mass. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. An Act Relative To Work and Family Mobility During and Subsequent to the COVID-19 Emergency doesnt mention either drivers licenses or illegal immigrants. Both Democratic candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for the veto override. A drivers license is essential for economic mobility. And that's basically and fundamentally what this bill is. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Legislative leaders who steered the long-debated bill through the House and Senate said they have some worries about the prospect of a statewide campaign on the topic. Action would put mail-in voting and more early voting days on the table for this fall's elections, but for a majority of the legislators responsible for the bill, it won't make all that much of a difference. Activists demanding Massachusetts lawmakers override Gov. This bill would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard state drivers license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. At least 16 states, including Connecticut and Vermont, allow residents to get a drivers license or permit regardless of immigration status, supporters say. Baker voiced his concerns about the bill Thursday morning, SHNS reported. The bill is now backed by the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police and most Massachusetts sheriffs and district attorneys. We couldn't do it without you. The title of both bills An Act Relative To Work and Family Mobility During and Subsequent to the COVID-19 Emergency doesnt mention either drivers licenses or illegal immigrants. "There's a ton of policies and procedures and training that will have to be done across the registry to actually pull this off, and there's no one who works for the registry currently who knows what any of these foreign documents look like or how to determine their validity," he said. WebLutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2021/06/24/proponents-opponents-lay-out-arguments-against-drivers-licenses-for-illegal-immigrants-in-massachusetts/, EightPillars of the Modern Democratic Party. To apply for a standard license under the new bill, an undocumented immigrant would need to show the RMV a foreign passport or a consular identification document, as well as a drivers license from another state, a foreign drivers license, a birth certificate, a foreign national ID card, or a marriage certificate from any U.S. territory. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. In Massachusetts, we pride ourselves in being a leader on so many important national issues, but with respect to this policy before you today, we have fallen behind, Crighton said. Sen. Sonia Chang-Daz, a Boston Democrat, added that in many of them, the rate of uninsured drivers and hit-and-run crashes dropped after implementation of the policy. The bill would not register undocumented immigrants to vote. The Driving Families Forward coalition, which includes a range of civil rights, immigration reform and organized labor groups, praised the Senate's vote and called for Baker to sign the legislation, arguing it "provides all the safeguards necessary to answer any doubts he may has (sic) raised previously. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is a magnet for undocumented people. And this time they could actually pass. View All Newsletters. Pitching the bill as a road safety and immigration measure, supporters said it would ensure that some of the 185,000 immigrants who already live in Massachusetts without legal status are properly tested before driving and relieve their fears of traffic stops spiraling into devastating consequences. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. Conservative media is hard to find in Massachusetts. She said the benefits of allowing individuals to apply for a drivers license regardless of immigration status will become quickly apparent. It will also require all drivers to take a driving test and enroll in auto insurance, which will benefit the state financially. The bill may look simple, but the issue, as we know, is complicated, said Democratic state Rep. William Straus, co-chair of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Transportation. A political committee began the process to repeal a new law to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers licenses, just four days after legislators voted to make Massachusetts the 17th state to do that. Possible to collect the signatures necessary to get a driver 's license in the Beacon Hill of. By Democrats, before heading to Baker said during a 2014 gbh debate can apply for a standard drivers... About or keeping documents related to immigration status Coalition, which will benefit the state.. 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