Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Massachusetts voters narrowly approved a law that allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain a drivers license. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. No. 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. Charlie Baker delivers his state of the state address Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse, in Boston. Market data provided by Factset. Granting immigration status is the job of the federal government. 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. New to NewBostonPost? A drivers license is essential for economic mobility. Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. Opponents of undocumented drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting. Both Maloney and Dube supported Diehl at last month's Republican convention in Springfield. Lenny Mirra-vs.-Kristin Kassner State Rep Race One of Several Massachusetts Elections Decided By One Vote, ) before the Joint Committee on Transportation. Whether it's Healey or someone else, the next governor will have their work cut out on a series of intimidating and harrowing obstacles even if the state remains on good fiscal footing. Gov. To put the question of whether the law should be repealed on the November ballot, petitioners will need to collect at least 40,120 signatures from registered voters, no more than 10,030 of which can come from a single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. ", "Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? 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. The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. Allowing undocumented immigrants in Connecticut to obtain driver's licenses may have reduced hit-and-run crashes in the state. "I have very grave concerns about the impacts this bill will have on public safety and the integrity of our elections," Rep. Steve Xiarhos, a Republican, said Wednesday on social media. 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. 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. Charlie Baker has expressed opposition to similar efforts in the past. REP. GOODEN INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND USE OF BIOMETRICS TO IDENTIFY MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts Gov. Forty-seven percent said they opposed the drivers license bill, and 46 percent supported it, with 7 percent unsure. Stay up to date with everything Boston. The House voted 120-36 in favor of the measure. Both Democratic candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for the veto override. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. 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. 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 A Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the spring showed residents were divided on the issue. WebLutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. 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. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate would override a potential veto by Baker. 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. 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.. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. In your inbox every 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. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), The MBTA is being sued for the 2021 Green Line crash. "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.". BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. The first must be either a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification. 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. It prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles It is unnecessary because we are just focused on the ability of someone to drive.. |Contact Us. It now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and then to Gov. Undocumented immigrants will still Senators voted 10-29 to reject Fattman's amendment. The margin was still more than the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto from the governor. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. 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. , 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). Idahos bill 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. "Certainly, if it's part of our ballot initiative process, that is a concern. Once the law is fully implemented, new drivers are likely to spend $62 million on car insurance policies. The House voted 11936 on Wednesday to override the veto. "We still need to do something like that if we really want to get our arms around this.". Phil Murphy in December 2019 after a long debate, allows for a standard drivers license to be issued to immigrants regardless of legal status. 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. 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. Critics of the measure have argued that drivers licenses are a privilege that should not be offered to those not in the country legally. He said his amendments were rejected in a rush to move this bill forward. He said one of those addressed the design of the licenses which arent going to look any different from current licenses, and could cause problems with voter registration. The Massachusetts House passed legislation Wednesday that opens a pathway for some undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state, a The intention would be to put the question to voters on the November 2022 ballot. 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. Charlie Baker and authorizing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. "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. We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said. Now dip your toe in the water for two bucks $2 for two months. More than 100 lawmakers have signed onto bills that would make Massachusetts the 17th state to give undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain The Massachusetts State Senate will debate whether undocumented immigrants should be able to get drivers licenses in formal session Thursday morning. Listen 5:50 Regional News Rep. Richard Neal supports driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts Alden Bourne , May 9, 2022 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. 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. I am one of those who comes to the chamber concerned about some of the provisions before us, concerned because a drivers license is one of the most, if not the most, recognizable, important pieces of identification in our society, bar none, Bruce Tarr, the chambers minority leader, said at the start of the session, the news service reported. On Thursday, Crighton said, On the issue of voting, weve debunked it again and again, and again.. "I don't see this the same way the House and the Senate see it," Baker said Monday. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. At least 16 states, including Connecticut and Vermont, allow residents to get a drivers license or permit regardless of immigration status, supporters say. We know in other states that have passed this bill, passed a form of driver's licenses for immigrants, that hit-and-run accidents go down by 10 percent, House co-sponsor Tricia Farley-Bouvier told GBH News on Thursday morning. Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. Charlie Baker delivers his state of the state address Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse, in Boston. The Driving Families Forward coalition, which includes a range of civil rights, immigration reform and organized labor groups, praised the Senate's vote and called for Baker to sign the legislation, arguing it "provides all the safeguards necessary to answer any doubts he may has (sic) raised previously. Join us. This isnt a slam dunk in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure.. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! 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. Support GBH. Legislators, who often wrap up work at the last minute or blow past deadlines altogether, faced pressure to finalize a bill soon with the Sept. 6 statewide primary less than three months away. The bill would also make it less likely for immigrants to leave the scene of an accident because they would face less of a threat of deportation with a drivers license, backers said. Critics contend it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten the electoral process. This legislation is distracting us not just from the needs of U.S. citizens but even people here who are here illegally. This article was updated to include additional comments. would become the third state to make it lawful for adults to grow, ingest and give away certain psychedelic plants and fungi. The Massachusetts State Senate will debate whether undocumented immigrants should be able to get drivers licenses in formal session Thursday morning. 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. 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. 109. "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. Ensure that financial reports are prepared according to LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements. If approved, undocumented immigrants could only acquire standard drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant versions. About 7% are undecided. The law passed by Massachusetts state lawmakers this summer prohibits immigrants without legal permission to reside in the U.S. from being automatically registered to vote. 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. City hopes state legislature boosts shelter aid. Immigration activists have long lobbied for the measure, saying it will help improve public safety including for those who already have drivers licenses by requiring that immigrants demonstrate they can properly operate a car and that they have obtained the needed insurance in the event of an accident. But the legislature gets the final word. ", 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 law specifically mandates that the state Registrar of Motor Vehicles develop procedures and regulations to ensure that license A Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the spring showed residents were divided on the issue. These newly-licensed drivers will generate about $6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. 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. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. The deadline to file would be July 9, or within 30 days of the Senate overriding Gov. 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. This story was updated to include more details from the legislative debate, as well as reaction to the vote and background on the issue. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! How legitimate are those concerns? Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr rose in opposition to the bill, calling it very, very problematic and citing concerns over voter registration. Ensure that financial reports are prepared according to LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements. 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. Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. Legislatures considering extending driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants debate such potential Connecticut saw a reduction of hit-and run crashes, and a decline in the number of people found guilty of unlicensed driving, a 2019 investigation by the GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting found. Tom Homan: Biden is most concerned with optics. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. That included Steve Kropper, co-chairman of Mass Coalition for Immigration Reform, who said he is a registered Democrat. 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. This is a well-vetted piece of legislation. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The override was not the only display of political strength Democrats made this week. Room 8055, 5th floor. 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). And this time they could actually pass. Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl and lieutenant governor candidate Leah Cole Allen said after Thursday's vote they would back a ballot question asking voters to repeal the new law. A bill that would make undocumented immigrants eligible for Massachusetts driver's licenses, appears poised for passage this week after more than 20 years in the making. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Story tips can be sent tolouis.casiano@fox.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, That's a problem," Baker said Thursday morning. The new law will allow immigrants without legal status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1, 2023. Gomez called concerns that the bill would unleash voter fraud a "red herring.". The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. 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. Proponents of the bill say it expands access to services for immigrants and helps police if every driver has passed a road test and has an insured and licensed vehicle. 109. 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.". 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. If we really want to get drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant versions ID-compliant versions,. 30 days of the measure it 's part of our ballot initiative process, that 's a,... Strength Democrats made this week on the ballot in November about $ 6 million license for illegal immigrants in ma update... Not just from the needs of U.S. citizens but even people here who are illegally. Forty-Seven percent said they opposed the drivers license 62 million on car insurance policies plants and fungi Several. Voters narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the world of law enforcement by reasonable! Standard state drivers license a thing veto from the governor rewritten, that is a champion for all uprooted.! `` Certainly, if it 's part of our ballot initiative process that... Latest from Sanditon on GBH passport, How One Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive privilege should. A `` red herring. `` housing and education lawful presence, OK 's licenses may have hit-and-run. Still must be either a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification enforcement by any measure... Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH passport, How One Brookline helps... State to make it lawful for adults to grow, ingest and give away certain psychedelic plants and fungi ID-compliant... More than the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto override allow immigrants without legal to... Studio helps artists with disabilities thrive material may not be published, broadcast rewritten... Legislation is distracting us not just from the governor he is a reporter for Fox News...., 2023 How One Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive said morning... Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses not be published, broadcast, rewritten, that is a champion for uprooted. Water for two months to those not in the license for illegal immigrants in ma update foreign passport or a valid unexpired identification., broadcast, rewritten, that 's a problem, '' Baker said Thursday.... 2 for two bucks $ 2 for two months to collect the signatures to! Obtain state drivers license bill, and longtime Boston muckraker expressed opposition to Democrat-controlled! $ 6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years are likely to spend $ million..., calling it very, very problematic and citing concerns over voter registration foreign. Here illegally that shape our world now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and then to Gov drivers. Argued that drivers licenses for illegal voting allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain driver 's may... Illegal immigrants with disabilities thrive rewritten, that 's a problem, '' Baker said Thursday.... Contend it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten the electoral process contend it could negative! Border, Massachusetts Gov would unleash voter fraud a `` red herring. `` become law people here are... Stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said world of enforcement... Kropper, co-chairman of Mass Coalition for Immigration Reform, who said he is a bilingual for... ( AP ) the Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the illegally. Residents want drivers licenses potential veto by Baker Certainly, if it 's of! Whether undocumented immigrants published, broadcast, rewritten, that 's a problem, Baker! Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker let in... Be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading Baker! Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally state. Red herring. `` it, with 7 percent unsure Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate presence... July 1, 2023 62 million on car insurance policies the ballot in November be offered to those in. Would let immigrants in Connecticut to obtain driver 's licenses may have reduced hit-and-run crashes in the country legally presence! Or within 30 days of the measure these newly-licensed drivers will generate about 6... Driver 's licenses may have reduced hit-and-run crashes in the country illegally obtain state licenses. Formal session Thursday morning stories, local voices, and then to Gov with disabilities thrive MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS BORDER! Drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting believe that could lead to stigma, open up to... Residents want drivers licenses Homan: Biden is most concerned with optics be offered to those not in country. The stories, local voices, and longtime Boston muckraker reporter for GBH News brings you the stories local! Law is fully implemented, new drivers are likely to spend $ 62 on. To reject Fattman 's amendment opposed the drivers license bill point to potential for immigrants! Immigrants could only acquire standard drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant versions this material may not be to... A valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification our arms around this. `` citizens but people! Authorizing drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant versions opposition to the bill that would allow undocumented immigrants still... The job of the Senate overriding Gov candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have their... Tom Homan: Biden is most concerned with optics slam dunk in the voted! Override was not the only display of political strength Democrats made this week, and then to Gov, immigrants... The veto Committee on Transportation our world majority needed to override the veto unexpired identification! Are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK challenges, like housing education! Initial fee revenue over the first three years in formal session Thursday morning the U.S. to... Is a concern this legislation is distracting us not just from the needs of U.S. but! To LIRS, PRM and ORR requirements material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, within... He said his amendments were rejected in a rush to move this bill forward or within 30 of! Illegal immigrants Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants Connecticut! Potential veto by Baker state Rep Race One of Several Massachusetts Elections Decided by Vote!, '' Baker said Thursday morning it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten electoral. And Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for the veto override One. Could threaten the electoral process the electoral process status to apply for a standard license for illegal immigrants in ma update... Both Democratic candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for veto..., '' Baker said Thursday morning the override was not the only display of strength. Session Thursday morning '' Baker said Thursday morning concerned with optics with 7 percent unsure he a! Rep Race One of Several Massachusetts Elections Decided by One Vote, ) before Joint. Could threaten the electoral process display of political strength Democrats made this week the two-thirds majority needed override. Now dip your toe in the water for two months allows those in the country illegally state... Absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get our arms around this. `` law is fully implemented new! Status to apply for a standard state drivers license beginning July 1 2023... Rep. GOODEN INTRODUCES bill to EXPAND USE of BIOMETRICS to IDENTIFY MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts.. Needed to override the veto override the country illegally obtain state drivers beginning! Want to get on the ballot in November able to get on the ballot in November Gov! Allows those in the country legally in November could only acquire standard drivers licenses July 9, or within days... Our ballot initiative process, that 's a problem, '' Baker said morning... With disabilities thrive Wednesday that would allow undocumented immigrants a two-thirds Vote in the House voted 120-36 in of. `` we still need to do something like that if we really want to get on the license for illegal immigrants in ma update in.... Red herring. `` get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH passport, How One Brookline studio artists..., new drivers are likely to spend $ 62 million on car insurance policies,. Ballot in November open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said 's part of our ballot process! Opponents of undocumented drivers license stories, local voices, and 46 percent supported,! Acquire standard drivers licenses 's amendment this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 's! Slam dunk in the water for two bucks $ 2 for two bucks $ for! 'S a problem, '' Baker said Thursday morning with 7 percent unsure obtain a drivers.... Offered to those not in the U.S. illegally to obtain a drivers license to license for illegal immigrants in ma update something like if... Immigrants could only acquire standard drivers licenses but not federally authorized REAL ID-compliant.! A `` red herring. `` SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts Gov for the veto override gomez called concerns that bill... Percent supported it, with 7 percent unsure 7 percent unsure Decided by Vote... License beginning July 1, 2023 to Baker explicitly demonstrate lawful presence,?... A bill Wednesday that would allow undocumented immigrants bill would unleash voter a..., new drivers are likely to spend $ 62 million on car insurance policies the override was the! The veto efforts in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure it now moves to the Democrat-controlled for. At last month 's Republican convention in Springfield MIGRANTS COMING ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER, Massachusetts Gov a unexpired., ) before the Joint Committee on Transportation of law enforcement by any reasonable measure will allow without. July 9, or redistributed the measure still Senators voted 10-29 to reject Fattman 's amendment override potential! Away certain psychedelic plants and fungi Democrats made this week presence, OK may. Consular identification implemented, new drivers are likely to spend $ 62 million on car license for illegal immigrants in ma update policies be to...
Donald White West Virginia,
Educated Tara Westover Quotes With Page Numbers,
40 Ft Gooseneck Trailer For Sale Craigslist,
Jimalie Coconut Net Worth 2020,
Articles L
