But youve found it. "In addition to increasing safety on our roads for all drivers, this legislation recognizes the essential role our immigrant neighbors play in our society and economy by ensuring that everyone has access to a drivers license. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. Proponents of the Work and Family Mobility Act have long said it will improve road safety and assuage immigrants worries of being revealed as undocumented and face deportation because of a routine traffic stop or accident. Listen Live: Classic and Contemporary Celtic, Listen Live: Cape, Coast and Islands NPR Station, The civil rights memorials that expose America's ugly history and warn of repeating the past, Boston Public Radio full show: March 1, 2023, No 'magic sleep button:' Separating sleep misinformation from facts on YouTube, Finding resilience in Black love, through good times and bad, At least 36 are dead in Greece after two trains collided. Additional drivers licenses equal more revenue through application fees, Gomez said. Advocates and lawmakers are holding a ceremonial bill signing to mark the new law on Monday afternoon which will be going into effect without the signature of Gov. It will also make it possible for immigrants and refugees to go about their lives with more peace of mind, Sweet said. Im a businessman, so I should like low wages, but first Im an American and I want the citizens on the bottom to enjoy the American Dream first. Outside of spending levels, the budget talks -- which opened with brief public remarks before moving into private -- will feature some significant policy decisions as well, including a Senate proposal to create new licensing protections for Massachusetts reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers who may face legal challenges originating in other states. "They changed the argument, they changed the debate -- you changed the debate," Mariano said, referring to advocates in the audience, "and made it into a public safety issue. Join us. If he vetoes the bill, it would go back to the Legislature to see if the veto would be overridden. 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. Driver's Licenses, ID Cards Being Replaced After Printer Mishap, Mass. A bill that would make undocumented immigrants eligible for drivers licenses has cleared its first major hurdle, with House members passing it with a veto-proof 120-36 majority. The Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. Advocates have long said undocumented immigrants would still be tested before driving, and go through qualifications a citizen driver would have to go through something opponents have pointed out as a concern in the past. Massachusetts to allow illegal immigrants to apply for drivers Other states like California, New York and Utah already do the same. As of 2016, there are about 250,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, according to a report from the American Immigration Council. Granting immigration status is the job of the federal government. House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. 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. The campaign will have until Aug. 24 to submit signatures to local election officials for certification and until Sept. 7 to submit them to Secretary of State William Galvin's office. Their spending plans for the fiscal year that starts July 1 do not broach the idea of tax relief, though the final fiscal 2023 budget deliberations could revise the state's tax revenue forecast. Bill sponsor Sen. Brendan Crighton, a Lynn Democrat, contended that bifurcating licenses awarded to immigrants without legal status and all other licenses could have a "chilling effect" on the bill's goal to get more drivers road tested. Full transcript of Bidens State of the Union address, Mass. Senate overrides Baker veto: Undocumented immigrants will be able to get driver's licenses, With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers licenses for unauthorized immigrants, Baker vetoes immigrant license access bill. "Leah and I will not sit by idly and watch the consequences of this bill take away the safety and democratic rights of Massachusetts residents. And I'm disappointed that our governor chose to veto it, and ignore the public safety argument, and get hung up on questions that we think we answered properly to him.". ", 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.". In an event that went more than three hours before it featured any difference of opinion, mostly supporters testified in favor of two bills (S.2289/H.3456) before the Joint Committee on Transportation. February 16, 2022 20 BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. Thank you for your support, but we can't have this in here.". By, Advocates push for Mass. Wakeman said the campaign is still working to collect the initial 10 signatures required to launch a referendum campaign. The Massachusetts State Senate will debate whether undocumented immigrants should be able to get drivers licenses in formal session Thursday morning. Nobody has filed paperwork for a referendum yet, according to Secretary of State Bill Galvins office, but the group is expected to soon. Connecticut looks to join Massachusetts, others states in seeking ways to curb deadly highway wrong-way crashes. The calendar could shape the dynamics at play there. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. The House voted 11936 on Wednesday to override the veto. So many people who have testified today other than the last two, their only concern was for the people who have come into our country without permission not for American citizens, Dugan said. More on Driver's Licenses. Massachusetts voters narrowly approved a law that allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain a drivers license. Banking as an Undocumented Immigrant. Minnesota state legislators recently passed the Drivers License for All bill (HF 4), which could pave the way for undocumented immigrants to get valid drivers licenses. Opioid overdose deaths reached a new high in 2021, according to data released this week, fueled in part by the widespread presence of fentanyl and the anguish imposed by the pandemic. "But I think we've got enough interest to do it. Ensure that financial reports are prepared according to LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements. Similar ceremonies for other legislation usually feature Baker wielding a pen over the parchment, but in this case it was Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano wielding their override pens. Nineteen states have laws in place that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license, including Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington. 109. 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 original version of the bill was introduced almost 20 years ago, and multiple iterations have cropped up and failed, including one from then-state Rep. Marty Walsh in 2007, who is now the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) testifies before the Senate Transportation Committee regarding his bill to make a restricted driver's license available to all Idaho 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.. Booming inflation intertwining with a runaway-train housing market have created major struggles for voters, who appear more likely in new polling to have economic issues top of mind. Nineteen states have laws in place that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license, including Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington. Those who testified largely stuck to the same talking points: that immigrants need drivers licenses to get to work and doctors appointments, that they play a key role in the states workforce, that it would prevent some hit-and-run accidents, that it would result in more Bay State residents with car insurance, and that it would give the state some additional revenue because of licensing and registration fees. Without the support of Republicans who negotiated the final bill, lawmakers began advancing a measure to make mail-in voting and expanded early voting permanent options in Massachusetts. 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. 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. House Democrats in Massachusetts have passed a controversial measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. WebLutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Charlie Baker on the legislation. Hongmei Neon Equipment Factory "Today, the House took a significant step towards bringing all Massachusetts drivers under the same licensing and insurance standards, regardless of immigration status," House Speaker Ron Mariano said. Ensure that financial reports are prepared according to LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements. 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. We couldn't do it without you. The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. WebLutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. "That was never really on the table here in Massachusetts," he said. Republican Gov. The bill could also act as a lure to those in the country illegally knowing they could get a drivers license in Massachusetts, said Republican Rep. Paul Frost, of Auburn. Room 8055, 5th floor. Massachusetts Gov. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. 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. It now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and then to Gov. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. The Super Bowl: What Has Happened to America? Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. Senators voted 10-29 to reject Fattman's amendment. Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? REP. GOODEN INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND USE OF BIOMETRICS TO IDENTIFY MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts Gov. But the decisive roll calls (119-36 in the House and 32-8 in the Senate) may have just triggered the start of a larger fight. "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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. On Thursday, Crighton said, On the issue of voting, weve debunked it again and again, and again.. Patricia Mae G. Santos, M.D., Kanan Shah, M.D., Francesca M. Gany, M.D., and Fumiko Chino, M.D. At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. The Massachusetts House passed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses in the state in February by a margin that would override a veto as well, according to SHNS. He also said the bill restricts the registrys ability to share citizenship information with those entities responsible for ensuring only citizens register for and vote in our election.. Both of those ways of casting ballots proved popular and mostly successful as temporary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, improving voter access despite threats posed Not to mention, drivers with licenses are better equipped to obtain car insurance. The ability to drive our car to the store, to the doctor's appointments and to take our kids to sports practices, or even getting involved with extracurricular activities while granting them a peace of mind that they should that, said Gomez, a Senate co-sponsor. New to NewBostonPost? She's covered politics, immigration, incarceration, and health for The Guardian, DigBoston, The Boston Globe, and The Associated Press. Nineteen states have laws in place that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license, including Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington. This is a concrete step the Commonwealth could take to improve the daily lives of immigrants.. 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. At least one document must contain a photograph. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. Allowing undocumented immigrants to get around more easily would allow them to increase their earning potential and employers right now are having trouble recruiting qualified workers amid a time of record low unemployment in the state. Here's what we know. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. 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.". |Contact Us. To apply for a drivers license, immigrants will have to show two documents proving their date of birth and identity, like an unexpired foreign passport, consular identification document or certified copy of a birth certificate. GOP state committee member Debby Dugan of Watertown expressed similar concerns, and she also said that such a bill is enacted, it would lead to more illegal immigration. A long-debated proposal to expand driver's license access to undocumented immigrants took a major step Thursday toward becoming law, clearing the Massachusetts Senate with a strong enough margin to overcome the prospect of Gov. Gomez called concerns that the bill would unleash voter fraud a "red herring.". Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. "And everyone deserves to feel safe and get to work, pick up children and be a part of their communities without fear. All rights reserved, Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter, Mass. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The ability to apply for a drivers license is the number one issue for immigrant families, Barber added. The House approved its version of the license access bill in February with a 120-36 vote, well above the number of representatives in support that would be needed to override a veto. Analysis: Mass. Support GBH. Some who opposed the bill agreed with Gomez on one part of his testimony: that it is a pro-business bill. City hopes state legislature boosts shelter aid. The Massachusetts House passed legislation Wednesday that opens a pathway for some undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state, a Undocumented immigrants will still 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. Charlie Baker. Forty-seven percent said they opposed the drivers license bill, and 46 percent supported it, with 7 percent unsure. That's a problem," Baker said Thursday morning. Under the new law, someone in the country illegally would have to provide a passport or consular identification document to apply for a driver's license. BOSTON People living in the U.S. illegally would Baker vetoed the bill last month, saying in a letter to the House that it "undoes a critical safeguard to the driver's license issuance process" and that the Registry of Motor Vehicles doesn't have the expertise or ability to verify many types of documents from other countries. Consular identification cards are issued by some countries who have citizens living in other countries, and can be used for voting in that foreign country, or for identification. It can tear families apart, and that is a heavy, heavy burden to carry that fear through the daily activities of one's life.". Still, he gave credit to one Democrat: Transportation Committee Co-chair Rep. William Straus, who Baker said ensured the administration would have additional time to prepare for the new normal. It's ironing out the intraparty disagreements that often proves tougher, and more time-consuming. Its treasurer will be Kevin Dube of North Andover, according to the form submitted to OCPF. "We still need to do something like that if we really want to get our arms around this.". Legislature Overrides Gov. The new law will allow immigrants without legal status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. House Republicans unsuccessfully pushed a similar amendment during their debate on the bill, which Baker described as a "perfectly reasonable way to deal with this. Those seeking a license must present at least two documents. Speakers pepped up the crowd and recounted the license policy's long road toward becoming law, with one legislator recalling that it was a young Rep. Marty Walsh who first filed the bill many years ago. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The measure is about being safe on the road, according to Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Charlie Baker's opposition. The licenses would not become available until July 1, 2023. State Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said that he sympathizes with those who fear deportation because they frequently drive illegally because their immigration status prevents them from getting a drivers license from the state. Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain driver's licenses after state lawmakers voted Thursday to override a veto from Republican Gov. |News If the committee collects 40,120 certified signatures by Aug. 24 for a local election official to certify, and then file with the Secretary of States office by Sept. 7, the question can go on the November 2022 ballot. Zip code: 510375 Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. "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. "It's never easy to collect signatures. This is a well-vetted piece of legislation. 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. Story tips can be sent tolouis.casiano@fox.com. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. The MIRA Coalition firmly opposes any and all efforts to repeal the Work and Family Mobility Act, said Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, in a call with GBH. Democrat Sens. 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. A campaign filed paperwork Monday with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance to create a committee, called "Fair and Secure Massachusetts," seeking to repeal the law enacted over Baker's veto last week. Charlie Baker and authorizing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Although news of a possible repeal effort spread last week, Baker on Monday said he is "not familiar with that process" when asked if he would support the referendum, adding that he "made pretty clear what my rationale was for vetoing the law.". Now dip your toe in the water for two bucks $2 for two months. (Thomas Kurmeier via Getty Images), "We are a nation of immigrants. 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. 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. The House voted 119-36 and the Senate voted 32-8 to override Baker's veto and make the measure law. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. Starting July 1, 2023, anyone in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status can apply for a standard driver's license. Congestion pricing and other traffic mitigation options are back on the table. Baker on Monday said his administration would "start the process of implementing it pretty much immediately.". About 7% are undecided. "It basically means, in some respects, the Registry is going to be flying blind with respect to what it issues when it issues these licenses. There about 250,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, according to a 2016 report from the American Immigration Council. MA Mobile Sports Betting Start Time Set Ahead Of March Madness, Free MA Community College Outlined In Gov's Budget. Charlie Baker. Jun 24, 2021. Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. Huanhua Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China). While the legislation has now cleared both chambers with more than three-quarters of elected lawmakers in support, Bay Staters in general are nearly evenly split on the idea of allowing people without legal immigration status to acquire Massachusetts licenses, according to a new poll. bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, Pandemic Renews Debate Over Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Workers, Licensed Undocumented Immigrants May Lead To Safer Roads, Connecticut Finds. "Sorry, we can't have this," Brownsberger told the crowd. 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. Asked about whether methods used by consular offices to verify documents arent rigorous enough, Maloney said she wasnt sure and would have to look into that further.. In an event that Immigration reform advocates and some public safety leaders have pressed, often loudly, for more than a decade to grant residents without legal status in the U.S. some form of access to driver's licenses. He also said that Massachusetts cannot wait for Congress to offer protections for people who are in the country illegally. The bill, H.4805, would allow those without legal status to apply for a driver's license if they can show proof of their identity and residency in Massachusetts. Here's what we know. Allowing parents to drive their kids to school, take them to doctors 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 breathe and have a sigh of relief, Sen. Adam Gomez, a Springfield Democrat and one of the bills main sponsors, told the news service. More than a dozen states allow undocumented immigrants to acquire some type of driver's license, though Baker said Monday he believes in most instances they offer a "driver's privilege card" and not a full license. Its why 16 states and the District of Columbia already allow immigrants without legal status to get a drivers license if they meet certain conditions. Charlie Baker has expressed opposition to similar efforts in the past. Legislators have several more steps to complete before the bill can become state law. Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon) testifies before the Senate Transportation Committee regarding his bill to make a restricted driver's license available to all Idaho residents regardless of immigration status. Geoff Diehl, a gubernatorial candidate for the state Republican Party, told media in a statement last week, this is a bad bill, and said he would support efforts to overturn in a ballot initiative. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. The bill creates two categories of drivers licenses and non-driver identification cards: federally-compliant REAL ID, which is only available for documented residents, and the Standard Basic drivers license and ID, which will be available to all New Jersey residents regardless of immigration status. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate would override a potential veto by Baker. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is a magnet for undocumented people. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Baker voiced his concerns about the bill Thursday morning, SHNS reported. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. ", 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.". The bill is now backed by the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police and most Massachusetts sheriffs and district attorneys. Tom Homan: Biden is most concerned with optics. However, states regulate who may receive a drivers license or identification card. ", "Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? Justice Kimberly S. Budd said leaders need to advocate for people who cant afford their own counsel. MASSACHUSETTS The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to get state driver's licenses. "That's democracy.". By Christian M. Wade Statehouse Reporter. 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. To get a license, immigrants would have to present either a valid unexpired passport or valid unexpired consular identification and an unexpired driver's license from a U.S. state or territory, a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or driver's license, or a Massachusetts marriage certificate. Oversee budget development for new programs within RIS and update budgets for existing programs. Once the law is fully implemented, new drivers are likely to spend $62 million on car insurance policies. A second kind of identification could include an unexpired drivers license from any US state or territory, a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or foreign drivers license, or a marriage certificate issued in Massachusetts. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! "Certainly, if it's part of our ballot initiative process, that is a concern.