can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in massachusetts

Under the new law, people in the country without legal status would be able to apply for a drivers license starting July 1, 2023, if they can provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or consular identification document. Massachusetts is one of the first states to put repeal of the law to a vote. Currently, sixteen states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented people to obtain driver's licenses. Under the Massachusetts bill, known as the Work and Family Mobility Act, drivers licenses would be available to undocumented immigrants if they are able to provide documentation like a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport, or evidence of current residency in the state. It's about making sure we keep all of our communities safe, that we have drivers that are licensed that go through the right process, and that's why all the major chiefs across the commonwealth supported this bill, because they know it makes all of us safer," said Massachusetts State Rep. Andy Vargas. 36 [of the Vienna Convention] must be provided to foreign nationals on their arrest; and, if not provided, a challenge to the soundness of any conviction resulting therefrom may be made in a motion for a new trial. Those seeking a license must present at least two documents. And critics of the bill noted that while some police chiefs have endorsed the bill, others have not. Eligible groups include: Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Holders, Amerasians, Asylees,Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Human Trafficking Victims,Legal Permanent Residents, and Refugees. Perhaps the most politically combustible of four questions on the Massachusetts November ballot seeks to repeal a law thats fewer than five months old: allowing undocumented immigrants to get a drivers license. GDP does not go down because people have access to licenses. of Justice. All Boston and Massachusetts adults deserve access to drivers licenses regardless of immigration status, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D), late last month. Apply for a mail-in ballot online here. By using our site, you agree to our. How to obtain a Driver's License if you are undocumented. Biden v. Texas, 597 U.S. ___ (2022) Wu in a statement in late January joined 14 other Massachusetts mayors and city managers calling on state lawmakers to pass the bill, which they said would make Massachusetts communities safer and more equitable. 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. They made their voices heard on Wednesday afternoon. They say voters could hold legislators accountable for spending the revenue as intended, and that the current state surplus isnt enough to guarantee the years of investment that schools and transit need. Thank you! Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. Denying members of our community the right to live and work in the commonwealth is not the answer., Similarly, she calls illegal voting worries an argument with no basis that appeals to a particular group of voters. Theres no evidence from jurisdictions that give undocumented immigrants licenses16 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbiathat the policy increases voter fraud, she says. Photo by David L. Ryan/Boston Globe via Getty Images. 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. Please limit your input to 500 characters. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. Applicants who cannot provide proof of lawful presence are eligible for a Massachusetts license (effective July 1st, 2023). ", For more on this and other ballot questions, listen to our election podcast, "Countdown to Decision 2022.". This presents significant financial risks for both the driver and others on the road. U.S. The Massachusetts State. Increase the number of liquor licenses that food retailing chains, such as supermarkets and convenience stores, could have to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption. Baker, in his veto letter to lawmakers last month, also said the new law would significantly increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote. Charlie Baker's veto, but it has continued to spark debate. Question 4 on November's Massachusetts ballot asks voters if they approve of the lay that would allow eligible residents to apply for a driver's license, regardless of immigration status. When I came to this country legally, I had to spend tons of money and follow due process to obtain a drive license. If an insurers medical loss ratio, the portion of its premium revenue spent on care, fell below 83 percent, it would have to send rebates to its subscribers. House Democrats in Massachusetts have passed a controversial measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill on Feb. 16 that would allow undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses. The bill passed into law this year over Gov. 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. Baker, in his veto letter to lawmakers, argued the new law "increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote," fears that supporters say are overblown in part because those using the licenses to register to vote could end up facing deportation. Its more complicated than a bad luck hit and run. Rep. Straus appeared to anticipate a veto when he quoted past objections by Baker to vagueness about the identity verification applicants would be required to show. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Some Massachusetts residents want driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Geoff Diehl, a Republican candidate for governor, said Thursday that he would support a ballot question to repeal the new law. Charlie Baker has expressed opposition to this in the past. 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. Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents The standard to be applied in such circumstances is the substantial risk of a miscarriage of justice standard, one that the defendant has not met in this case.". They would also have to provide one of five additional documents: a drivers license from another U.S. state or territory, a birth certificate, a foreign national identification card, a foreign drivers license or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory. In Connecticut, the drop was especially large in communities with higher percentages of licenses that could be used for driving only (such as those possessed by undocumented drivers). The discrimination against legal immigrants that its limiting language embodies violates their rights to equal protection under the Massachusetts Constitution.". 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":"