New Jersey may start issuing driving licenses to illegal immigrants

On Monday, December 9, New Jersey lawmakers considered a bill that would allow immigrants without legal status to obtain a driver’s license, writes NBC New York.

Фото: Depositphotos

The Judicial Committee of the Assembly, led by Democrats, heard a bill in the committee room. Many supported this measure by wearing green and yellow T-shirts that read, “Don't let these laws die on the committee.”

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Thirteen states, including Delaware and New York, as well as the District of Columbia, allow non-legal immigrants to obtain driving licenses.

Study, held in 2018 year, revealed that there were about 466 000 adult illegal immigrants living in New Jersey.

Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, along with Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Steve Sweeney, said they support the measure.

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Legislation will create a two-tier system of driver's licenses. Some will comply with federal REAL ID requirements, which include proof of legal residence in the country. Others - allow people without legal status to obtain a certificate that only gives the right to legally drive a car in the state, but is not an identity card.

This measure can increase safety, as many undocumented immigrants already drive on state roads without certificates and insurance. Also, the new measure will help people work and provide for their loved ones.

“By providing access to obtaining a driver’s license, New Jersey is taking a grandiose step towards ensuring the well-being of families,” said Tatyana Rodrges, a volunteer from the group Make the Road New Jersey.

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Supporters of the measure include Sue Fulton, Commissioner for Motor Vehicles, who cited an AAA study. It showed that drivers without a driver’s license are more likely to leave the scene than those who have one.

“In my opinion, our roads are safer when our drivers are trained, tested, licensed and insured,” said Fulton.

Opponents are concerned that the measure encourages people to break the law and could lead to election fraud, as state voters register when they receive a driver’s license.

Fulton replied that the bill is solely about improving security.

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