Massachusetts became the 17th state in America to decide to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants
Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to get a driver's license. State legislators voted to override Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's veto on the legislation. Fox News.
The State Senate voted 32/8 over Baker's objections, and a day after the House of Representatives voted 119/36 on the same measure, dubbed the Work and Family Mobility Act. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats. The bill would allow persons without legal status in the United States to apply for a driver's license if they can show identification and prove residence in Massachusetts.
Speaker of the State House of Representatives Ron Mariano said the legislation would "improve safety on the roads and ensure everyone has access to a driver's license, regardless of immigration status."
Baker vetoed the bill in May, saying it "removes critical protections for the driver's license issuance process" and the Motor Vehicle Registry (Massachusetts Department of Transportation/RMV) does not have the experience or capacity to review many types of documents from other countries.
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“We are a nation of immigrants. We will all benefit from improved public safety,” State Senate President Karen Spilka said after Baker’s veto. “And everyone deserves to feel safe and be part of society without fear.”
Under the new law, a person who is in the country illegally will be required to present a passport or consular ID in order to apply for a driver's license.
Illegals must also provide one of five additional documents: a driver's license from another state or US territory; birth certificate; identity card of a foreign citizen; foreign driver's license; a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any state or territory in the United States.
Supporters of the bill said it would allow thousands of drivers to drive to work or school without fear and improve road safety. Critics argue that this could negatively affect public safety and jeopardize the electoral process.
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"I have very serious concerns about the impact of this bill on public safety and the integrity of our elections," said Republican Steve Xiarchos. “I have consistently voted against this bill and remain opposed to its passage into law.”
The bill will enter into force in July 2023.
With the passage of this law, Massachusetts will join 16 other states and Washington, DC, which have similar laws: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington DC.
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