A No vote on the question would repeal the law (H.4805) that is scheduled to make illegal immigrants eligible to obtain drivers licenses starting on July 1, 2023. And join the real revolution. 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. DUTIES. Thats bad policy. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. The bill still needs to go through a committee for review, but the deadline for that review has now been delayed until March. Other states like California, New York and Utah already do the same. We sat down with the chiefs and asked what their concerns were and worked with them. Rep. Paul Frost, a Republican from Auburn, said it would encourage immigrants to come to Massachusetts without trying to obtain legal status. The law, signed by Gov. |News Baker voiced his concerns about the bill Thursday morning, SHNS reported. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. 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.. The state Senate joined the House Thursday in overriding a veto by Gov. Legislators have several more steps to complete before the bill can become state law. To put the question of whether the law should be repealed on the November ballot, petitioners will need to collect at least 40,120 signatures from registered voters, no more than 10,030 of which can come from a single county, in less than three months. Some who opposed the bill agreed with Gomez on one part of his testimony: that it is a pro-business bill. 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. Oversee budget development for new programs within RIS and update budgets for existing programs. 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. This law provides driver's licenses to applicants who submit a valid foreign passport or consular identification and proof of residency, regardless of legal Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. The vote was 32 to 8, with five Democrats voting with the chambers Republicans against the bill, State House News Service (SHNS) reported. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. When Sen. William Brownsberger read out the final result, attendees in the Senate gallery erupted into applause and cheers some shouting "thank you" loud enough to prompt Brownsberger to bang the gavel and ask them to quiet down. House Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, bill sponsors Reps. Christine Barber and Tricia Farley-Bouvier, and Sens. Maloneys son was killed in 2011 by a drunk driver who did not have legal authorization to live in the United States. 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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. Wakeman said the campaign is still working to collect the initial 10 signatures required to launch a referendum campaign. This legislation is distracting us not just from the needs of U.S. citizens but even people here who are here illegally. This isnt a slam dunk in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure.. At least one document must contain a photograph. Granting drivers licenses to illegal immigration is the wrong approach, he said. 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. That surplus-bound outlook is, well, pick your description from the latest batch offered this week: "rosy," as Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Eileen McAnneny put it; "absolutely unprecedented," in the words of MTF's Executive Vice President Doug Howgate; or "just crazy," as Baker told business leaders. House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. 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.. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. The legislation, approved on a 120-36 vote, would require individuals provide documentation to obtain a license including proof of their identity, residency in the state and date of birth. 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. When Massachusetts House and Senate leaders can get most or all of their Democrats on board behind a bill, their supermajority margins render the governor all but inconsequential to what becomes state law. Mass illegal immigration is what you wanted Sign up for the newsletter to receive periodic updates on Cato research, events, and publications. The new law will allow immigrants without legal status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. 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. How legitimate are those concerns? Driver's Licenses Bill Is Law. It's ironing out the intraparty disagreements that often proves tougher, and more time-consuming. "The legislature has now resoundingly supported the Work and Family Mobility Act, moving all state residents toward greater road safety, improved security, better public health and a more vibrant economy, and promising a profound transformation in the lives of undocumented immigrants across the Commonwealth.". Huanhua Road Sixteen other states already allow undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses. "I consistently voted against this bill and I remain opposed to its passage into law.". 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. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. 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. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr rose in opposition to the bill, calling it very, very problematic and citing concerns over voter registration. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. 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. 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. The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. Sixteen other states already have laws on the books allowing undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses, Crighton told his colleagues. Milford resident Maureen Maloney, a longtime opponent of the proposal whose son Matthew Denice was killed by a drunk driver who did not have legal status in the U.S., will chair the committee. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! The Massachusetts House passed legislation Wednesday that opens a pathway for some undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state, a We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said. 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. Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. 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. Opponents of a new law that will allow immigrants without legal status to seek driver's licenses took a preliminary step Monday toward asking voters to scrap the measure, while Democrats celebrated their success in pushing the bill and overcoming Gov. Will this be the year the bill passes? All rights reserved. The new law will allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. and last updated 9:36 AM, Nov 09, 2022. City hopes state legislature boosts shelter aid. I dont support drivers licenses for people who are undocumented, Baker said during a 2014 GBH debate. And the main reason for that is no ones ever been able to explain to me how you can actually document and verify someone who is undocumented.. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The Super Bowl: What Has Happened to America? Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate would override a potential veto by Baker. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Story tips can be sent [email protected]. Charlie Baker on the legislation. Countries that have consular offices each have their own varied requirements to get an identification card. "I am one of those who comes to the chamber concerned about some of the provisions before us, concerned because a driver's license is one of the most, if not the most, recognizable, important pieces of identification in our society, bar none," Tarr, the Republican leader, said at the start of the session. "That's democracy.". A bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers' licenses has passed the Massachusetts Senate. UL/ CUL Constant Volatge LED Power Supply, UL/ CUL Constant Current LED Power Supply, Room 8055, 5th floor. Thats because the states Republican governor, Charlie Baker, opposes giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Jun 24, 2021. At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. "We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate," Crighton said. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain driver's licenses after state lawmakers voted Thursday to override a veto from Republican Gov. This is a concrete step the Commonwealth could take to improve the daily lives of immigrants.. If passed into law, immigrants would qualify for a Massachusetts standard Massachusetts voters narrowly approved a law that allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain a drivers license. Charlie Baker's opposition. 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. 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. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. Driver's Licenses, ID Cards Being Replaced After Printer Mishap, Mass. 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.. The Senate signed off on the deal and a House vote could come as early as next week. "We can't have this in here. Their bills to accomplish that never surfaced for floor votes, but legislative leaders kept the conversations going behind closed doors. Report on 2014 legislation shows most domestic workers don't get basic rights and employers aren't trying to comply. 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. Those seeking a license must present at least two documents. The calendar could shape the dynamics at play there. This article was updated to include additional comments. 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. Senators voted 32-8 in favor of the controversial Crighton noted in his speech that the law will require the Secretary of State to keep tabs on the voter registration process to be sure nothing goes amiss. 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. It can tear families apart, and that is a heavy, heavy burden to carry that fear through the daily activities of one's life.". A Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the spring showed residents were divided on the issue. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I do not think that we should be rewarding people for being in the country illegally, Maloney said in a phone interview. House Democrats in Massachusetts have passed a controversial measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. 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. State Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville) was among those who cited economic reasons for giving drivers licenses to illegals. 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. 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. 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. 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 Democrat Sens. The governor said at the time that the legislation would create problems for the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which he said lacks the expertise to verify the types of identification immigrants use from other countries, a requirement of the bill. But youve found it. Those people who have elected you to protect them, not just physically protect them in the communities they live in but to protect their jobs, their livelihood, their wages, to give them an opportunity to work hard to provide for their families, to save for a rainy day, opportunities for their children to have summer jobs, opportunities for their 18-year-olds high school graduates to begin careers lifelong careers. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Fanghua Guangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd. Baker on Monday said his administration would "start the process of implementing it pretty much immediately.". While GOP lawmakers are not on board, there's a chance Democrats will need to take fewer steps to finalize the elections reform bill than they did the licensing law. Undocumented immigrants will still need to prove their identity, date of birth and residency in Massachusetts using a range of documents including either a valid, unexpired foreign passport or a valid, unexpired consular identification document. It is unnecessary because we are just focused on the ability of someone to drive.. Gov. Legal Statement. ", "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. Copyright2022 HongmeiCo.,Ltd.Allrightsreserved. They'd have until Aug. 24 to submit signatures to local election officials for certification and then Sept. 7 to submit them to Secretary of State William Galvin's office. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. 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. 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. the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2023, and could help an estimated 78,000 people in Massachusetts apply for a standard Massachusetts drivers license, 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 by the virus. 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. Gomez called concerns that the bill would unleash voter fraud a "red herring.". "It is unnecessary because we are just focused on the ability of someone to drive.". 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. There about 250,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, according to a 2016 report from the American Immigration Council. Mass illegal immigration is what you wanted Sign up for the newsletter to receive periodic updates on Cato research, events, and publications. 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. The bill also states that immigrants eligible for the drivers licenses would not be registered to vote as a result. Nineteen states have laws in place that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license, including Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats. The final vote in the Senate was 328 to approve the bill over Baker's objection. And that's basically and fundamentally what this bill is. APS ASSESSMENT: False. Just focused on the ability of someone to drive. `` states that immigrants eligible the! To illegal immigrants to your inbox lawful presence, OK, 5th floor Life we up-to-date. Distracting us not just from the most powerful name in News delivered first thing every morning to your inbox Betancourt... 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