The bill would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Some Massachusetts residents want driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. You must have a score of 80 or better to pass the knowledge test. [1] Pay attention only to your states requirements. Vaughan said shes unsure whether the bill will pass considering a large number of Massachusetts voters oppose the measure, which may be an incentive for elected officials to vote against it. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. You can try, House votes to override Baker's veto of licensing bill, Baker vetoes immigrant license access bill, Massachusetts Senate OKs immigrant driver's license bill. If approved, the bill would still have to be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance. A lock icon ( estimated Massachusetts could see $5 million from initial license and vehicle registration fees alone. Massachusetts voters rejected the repeal of a new law that lets immigrants obtain state-issued driver's licenses regardless of their legal status, the Associated Press reports.. Why it matters: Massachusetts is home to more than 200,000 immigrants without legal status, according to the Migration Policy Institute.The new law will extend driving privileges to an estimated 45,000-85,000 people . They are not eligible to get a commercial driver's license (CDL) which is required to drive large and heavy vehicles, or to transport passengers and/or hazardous materials. A Tufts University report anticipates negligible effects from passage on alcohol consumption and consumer convenience: the changes would not affect restaurants and bars and would leave licensing in the hands of local authorities. There is no federal law that grants the benefit of a driver's license for an undocumented person. But on Wednesday, a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses passed a first-ever vote in the House, 120-36. Berkshire Immigrant Center I support the Family Mobility Act because it will make all of us safer., Other supporters have argued that issuing drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants could even benefit the economy, and the ACLU of Massachusetts. The policy will go into effect next summer, WBUR noted. Driver's Licenses for All bill passes in the Minnesota House, clearing first hurdle to becoming law. 448/SD. Massachusetts now joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia that have similar laws. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and ImmigrantsORIs mission is to promote the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of Massachusetts. Becoming a U.S. citizen : a guide to the law, exam & interview by IIona M. Bray, Nolo, 2021. The article doesnt mention the details of that situation. Due to continual and rapid changes in U.S. immigration policy, please check the websites of all relevant federal agencies for the most current information. This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. But supermarket and convenience store opponents say the compromise isnt enough and that caps on liquor licenses give an unfair edge to package stores. Impose a 4 percent income tax, beyond the states current 5 percent flat-rate tax, on incomes above $1 million, constitutionally earmarking the money raised for education and transportation. It's high time that we let undocumented immigrants live without fear and start honoring their many contributions. This bill is also endorsed by all 42 police chiefs in the Massachusetts Major Cities Chief of Police Association, as well as more than 60 law enforcement officials across the state. Passage would help undocumented workers, she adds: For people to be able to feed their families, pay their rent, get their children to school and to doctors appointments safely, we need them to be licensed. Finding and using the cars controls: accelerator, signals, brake, horn, etc. "It puts tremendous pressure on cities and towns to do the cleanup on the back end," Gov. "Our job, our task of doing traffic enforcement is made better, is made easier when the person behind the wheel presents a driver's license," said Rep. William Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Committee on Transportation. Your email address will not be published. It also creates an incredible threat to the integrity of the electoral process.. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. In his veto message, Baker wrote, I cannot sign this legislation because it requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles [RMV] to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity. Should Tech Companies Be Held Accountable for Letting Terrorists on Their Sites? A Disturbing Trend. At least one document must contain a photograph. If he vetoes the bill, it will require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to override his veto. Massachusetts is a state that is known for its progressive stance on immigration reform and the rights of undocumented immigrants; however, the question of whether or not an illegal immigrant can get a driver's license in this state is a complex one. Allrightsreserved. is a senior writer at BU Today andBostoniamagazine. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Supporters say those concerns are overblown in part because those using the licenses to attempt to register to vote could end up facing deportation. Its compromising the integrity of the identity authentication process, she said. It's an issue Governor Charlie Baker has repeatedly raised concerns about. Under the new law, people in the country without legal status would be able to apply for a driver's license starting July 1, 2023, if they can provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a. The bill still requires approval by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. According to the Migration Policy Institute, in 2019 there . "But the bill doesn't mention who does the translation.". The formal legislative session ends July 31. I sincerely hope this woman finds a good therapist. National Conference of State Legislatures, Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-a-Driver%27s-License-for-Illegal-Immigrants-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Driver%27s-License-for-Illegal-Immigrants-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-a-Driver%27s-License-for-Illegal-Immigrants-Step-1.jpg\/aid6605751-v4-728px-Get-a-Driver%27s-License-for-Illegal-Immigrants-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"