and last updated 9:36 AM, Nov 09, 2022. Supporters of the bill said it would allow thousands of unlicensed drivers to travel to work and school without fear and would enhance safety on the road. We sat down with the chiefs and asked what their concerns were and worked with them. The Senate, which passed the final version of the immigrant license bill with a veto-proof 32-8 vote, is expected to override Baker's veto during its formal session However, while the legislation is backed by some local and law enforcement leaders, critics say others have refrained from taking a stance on the issue. The hearing featured a wide array of supporters of the bills, including various Democrats in the Massachusetts legislature, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Brazilian Worker Center, Rian Immigrant Center (formerly the Irish International Immigrant Center), the Boston Teachers Union, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, and both illegal immigrants and legal immigrants (who sometimes testified in foreign languages). Senate Democrats are also hoping for a two-thirds majority vote. Allowing undocumented immigrants in Connecticut to obtain driver's licenses may have reduced hit-and-run crashes in the state. DUTIES. And it puts tremendous pressure on cities and towns to do the cleanup on the back end.". New to NewBostonPost? Fanghua Guangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd. "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.". And it puts tremendous pressure on cities and towns to do the cleanup on the back end.. The @ma_senate looks forward to overriding this misguided decision.". 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. I think the RMV [Registry of Motor Vehicles] is not equipped to properly vet people coming to the United States from over 100 different countries and being able to reliably decipher their documentation that, first of all, in the different language and second of all, for validity.. 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. New to NewBostonPost? Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. Lawmakers voted this week to override his veto of a bill that will allow illegal immigrants in the state to apply for a driver's license. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. Former acting ICE director Tom Homan explains how President Biden's border strategy is enticing more illegal immigration and voices concerns with ICE's new policy to consider migrants' military service. "It sends the wrong message," Frost said. Under the legislation, the Registry of Motor Vehicles would be required to come up with regulations about what specific kinds of documentation are acceptable. 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. 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. Legislature Overrides Gov. By Christian M. Wade Statehouse Reporter. 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. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate would override a potential veto by Baker. 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. 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.. This isnt a slam dunk in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure.. 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. "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. The override was not the only display of political strength Democrats made this week. 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. "Sorry, we can't have this," Brownsberger told the crowd. 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.". Full Worm Moon: Will Conditions In MA Favor A Moonbow? Eight other states are considering similar laws. But the legislature gets the final word. American Chestnut Trees To Make A Comeback? At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. 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. 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. 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. Now dip your toe in the water for two bucks $2 for two months. WebMIRA is proud to be part of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, which is advocating for the Work and Family Mobility Act). 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. 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. Legislatures considering extending driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants debate such potential By making all immigrants eligible for a driver's license, we make it possible for all drivers to drive in a safe, secure manner, she said. Wakeman worked in 2021 on a trio of ballot question campaigns, including one seeking a statewide voter identification law, that fell short of collecting enough signatures to remain in the mix. We also worked closely with the district attorneys who have seen these cases and seen people who are only going to court because they cant get a license.. City hopes state legislature boosts shelter aid. State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) painted it as a pro-business bill. She said she wants to leave the measure up to the voters, citing the Globe-Suffolk University poll. A Suffolk University-Boston Globe poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published Monday found 46.6% oppose the proposal, 46.1% support it and nearly 7% are undecided. The deadline to file would be July 9, or within 30 days of the Senate overriding Gov. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! For instance, in Colombia, theres a document showing the individuals blood type, and in Guinea, applicants need two documents including an unexpired passport, photo ID and/or birth certificate. 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. "It is unnecessary because we are just focused on the ability of someone to drive.". or redistributed. 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. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is a magnet for undocumented people. Fattman said local elections officials in his district had contacted him expressing concerns about the topic, and bill backers fired back that the state already has protections in place to prevent ineligible residents from registering to vote. Opponents of undocumented drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting. Existing state law prohibits anyone "who does not have lawful presence in the United States" from acquiring either a standard Massachusetts or expanded REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "This is clearly a complete overstep on the part of people who don't understand what the voters, what people in Massachusetts want out of their government," Wendy Wakeman, a Republican strategist who is working with the nascent referendum campaign, told the News Service. The bill provides illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain a drivers license in the Commonwealth starting in July 2023. 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. If approved, undocumented immigrants could only acquire standard drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant versions. One amendment, offered by Fattman, would have required the RMV to transmit licensing information to any city or town clerk seeking to verify the identity of someone using a license to register to vote. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. No. 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. 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. Join us. Market data provided by Factset. The Super Bowl: What Has Happened to America? We're 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. This is what I keep hearing from my district every time I talk about this issue. The first must be either a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. "We can't have this in here. Zip code: 510375 "This bill means trust and dignity for immigrants in our state who lack federal status," Chang-Daz said. "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. Mass. They will also have to provide one of five additional documents: a drivers license from another U.S. state or territory; a birth certificate; a foreign national identification card; a foreign drivers license; or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. While some in law enforcement have backed the bill, many have declined to take a position, according to Republican state Rep. Timothy Whelan, of Brewster. Idahos bill Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. These newly-licensed drivers will generate about $6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years. Charlie Bakers veto. Despite the overwhelming support from the Legislature, Massachusetts residents are split on allowing undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses, a recent poll showed. The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. More on Driver's Licenses. 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. Conservative media is hard to find in Massachusetts. Contrary to prevailing opinions and fears, undocumented immigrants do have banking rights within the United States and can open bank accounts. By 2019, 50,000 undocumented immigrants had taken written exams, vision tests, and road tests to get drivers licenses. Sen. Adam Gomez told members of the Senate that the bill would give undocumented members of the community the same flexibility and options everyone else has in driving. The Massachusetts House passed legislation Wednesday that opens a pathway for some undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state, a An aide to Baker said he supports existing state laws that allow those in the country legally to obtain drivers licenses. 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. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File), The Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. Starting July 1, 2023, anyone in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status can apply for a standard driver's license. In your inbox every Thursday morning. The new law will allow immigrants without legal status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. "I consistently voted against this bill and I remain opposed to its passage into law.". Our lives are safer when every single driver has to pass a road test, a vision test, and obtain insurance.. 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. ", 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.". On Wednesday, State House Speaker Ron Mariano said the legislation will "increase safety on our roads by ensuring that everyone has access to a drivers license, regardless of immigration status.". The bill would not register undocumented immigrants to vote. Maloneys son was killed in 2011 by a drunk driver who did not have legal authorization to live in the United States. APS ASSESSMENT: False. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. DUTIES. Maureen Maloney and Kevin Dube filed paperwork with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance on Monday to create the Fair And Secure Massachusetts committee, intending to repeal drivers licenses for illegal aliens, according to one of the forms. 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. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr rose in opposition to the bill, calling it very, very problematic and citing concerns over voter registration. She was a reporter for CommonWealth Magazine, and senior immigration reporter for Law360. The final vote in the Senate was 328 to approve the bill over Baker's objection. MASSACHUSETTS The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to get state driver's licenses. Sixteen other states already allow undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses. REP. GOODEN INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND USE OF BIOMETRICS TO IDENTIFY MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts Gov. 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.. Otherwise, a more common initiative petition likely could not go before voters until 2024, more than a year after the July 1, 2023 start date on which immigrants without legal status can begin applying for licenses. Applicants who cannot provide proof of lawful "I don't see this the same way the House and the Senate see it," Baker said Monday. Now dip your toe in the water for two bucks , Five Social Policy Changes Maura Healey's Administration May, Unsure About Massachusetts Ballot Questions? And this time they could actually pass. "There were a lot of people who wanted to put a January 1 implementation date on this, and he said 'no, there's no way the state could possibly be ready to do this in January,' and he made it in July," Baker said. Stay up to date with everything Boston. The Massachusetts State Senate will debate whether undocumented immigrants should be able to get drivers licenses in formal session Thursday morning. Thats bad policy. ", "Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? MA Mobile Sports Betting Start Time Set Ahead Of March Madness, Free MA Community College Outlined In Gov's Budget. 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. We fully support submitting this question to the people to give them a direct say in their future," Diehl said Thursday without making clear. 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. Democrat Sens. 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. As Beacon Hill moves toward undocumented drivers' licenses, big-city mayors voice support, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. 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. Thank you for your support, but we can't have this in here.". In November, voters in Massachusetts will decide on rejecting a state law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a drivers license. 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. A topless marijuana dispensary may be coming to Western Mass. "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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "And everyone deserves to feel safe and get to work, pick up children and be a part of their communities without fear. The Democratic-controlled Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a bill that will allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses. That included Steve Kropper, co-chairman of Mass Coalition for Immigration Reform, who said he is a registered Democrat. Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain driver's licenses after state lawmakers voted Thursday to override a veto from Republican Gov. The state Senate voted 32-8 despite Baker's objection and a day after the House voted 119-36 on the same measure, dubbed the Work and Family Mobility Act. The law, signed by Gov. Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. 109. Previous research by The Pew Charitable Trusts examined the decisions that 10 states and the District of Columbia made when designing and implementing their laws to issue driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants. Lenny Mirra-vs.-Kristin Kassner State Rep Race One of Several Massachusetts Elections Decided By One Vote, ) before the Joint Committee on Transportation. All the fears and the arguments and the objections have fallen short, said Gonzalez. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. 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