I dont support drivers licenses for people who are undocumented, Baker said during a 2014 GBH debate. Market data provided by Factset. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. 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.. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. We couldn't do it without you. 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. 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. "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. The state Senate joined the House Thursday in overriding a veto by Gov. In a 120 to 36 vote, the The Associated Press contributed to this report. To get a license, immigrants would have to present either a valid unexpired passport or valid unexpired consular identification and an unexpired driver's license from a U.S. state or territory, a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or driver's license, or a Massachusetts marriage certificate. The Massachusetts House on Wednesday voted to override the governor's veto of the driver's license bill. and last updated 9:36 AM, Nov 09, 2022. Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. The state House passed a similar bill by a veto-proof 120-36 margin in February. If opponents of the new law pursue that action -- and are successful at gathering signatures -- the timing could line up almost perfectly to put the question before voters at the Nov. 8 election. Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. 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 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. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. Charlie Baker, who has opposed similar legislation in the past. 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.. 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). This legislation is distracting us not just from the needs of U.S. citizens but even people here who are here illegally. Critics contend it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten the electoral process. State Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville) was among those who cited economic reasons for giving drivers licenses to illegals. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Eight other states are considering similar laws. 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 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "It sends the wrong message," Frost said. The poll was conducted from April 24 to April 28 and has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. 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. 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. "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. 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, as did all three Republican senators Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, Ryan Fattman of Sutton and Patrick O'Connor of Weymouth. would become the third state to make it lawful for adults to grow, ingest and give away certain psychedelic plants and fungi. The final vote in the Senate was 328 to approve the bill over Baker's objection. With the passing of the law, Massachusetts joins 16 other states and Washington D.C., that have similar laws. 109. About 7% are undecided. Charlie Baker delivers his state of the state address Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse, in Boston. A bill that would make undocumented immigrants eligible for drivers licenses has cleared its first major hurdle, with House members passing it with a veto-proof 120-36 majority. The Minnesota Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would allow illegal immigrants the ability to obtain a U.S. driver's license without requiring proof they are in the country lawfully. Charlie Baker. "I consistently voted against this bill and I remain opposed to its passage into law.". MA Mobile Sports Betting Start Time Set Ahead Of March Madness, Free MA Community College Outlined In Gov's Budget. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. The bill also states that immigrants eligible for the drivers licenses would not be registered to vote as a result. Full transcript of Bidens State of the Union address, Mass. New to NewBostonPost? Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Those seeking a license must present at least two documents. Mass. Booming inflation intertwining with a runaway-train housing market have created major struggles for voters, who appear more likely in new polling to have economic issues top of mind. Charlie 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. Congestion pricing and other traffic mitigation options are back on the table. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Mass. "We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate," Crighton said. Many argue that we should let the federal government do its job when it comes to immigration reform. Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2021/06/24/proponents-opponents-lay-out-arguments-against-drivers-licenses-for-illegal-immigrants-in-massachusetts/, EightPillars of the Modern Democratic Party. The hearing featured a wide array of supporters of the bills, including various Democrats in the Massachusetts legislature, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The law specifically mandates that the state Registrar of Motor Vehicles develop procedures and regulations to ensure that license However, states regulate who may receive a drivers license or identification card. View All Newsletters. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. The calendar could shape the dynamics at play there. The new rules would apply to those who do not have proof they are in the country legally, including those not eligible for a Social Security number. Their bills to accomplish that never surfaced for floor votes, but legislative leaders kept the conversations going behind closed doors. All rights reserved, 53K Mass. If passed into law, immigrants would qualify for a Massachusetts standard "But I think we've got enough interest to do it. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Full Worm Moon: Will Conditions In MA Favor A Moonbow? Charlie Baker's veto of an immigrant driver's license access bill marched around the State House in Boston on Thursday, June 2, 2022. The bill, H.4805, would allow those without legal status to apply for a driver's license if they can show proof of their identity and residency in Massachusetts. Opponents of undocumented drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting. The Massachusetts House passed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses in the state in February by a margin that would override a veto as well, according to SHNS. 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. Lenny Mirra-vs.-Kristin Kassner State Rep Race One of Several Massachusetts Elections Decided By One Vote, ) before the Joint Committee on Transportation. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! "There were a lot of people who wanted to put a January 1 implementation date on this, and he said 'no, there's no way the state could possibly be ready to do this in January,' and he made it in July," Baker said. 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. 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. GOP state committee member Debby Dugan of Watertown expressed similar concerns, and she also said that such a bill is enacted, it would lead to more illegal immigration. Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China) Join us. 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. State House News Service | ", Chris Doughty, who is also running for governor as a Republican, circulated a petition on his campaign website in the wake of the override slamming the move and calling for voters to "tell the Legislature right now that you are AGAINST this decision.". 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, Minnesota state legislators recently passed the Drivers License for All bill (HF 4), which could pave the way for undocumented immigrants to get valid drivers licenses. For instance, in Colombia, theres a document showing the individuals blood type, and in Guinea, applicants need two documents including an unexpired passport, photo ID and/or birth certificate. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. Huanhua Road Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. The increase is "problematic for Massachusetts and for our country," said Commissioner Margret Cooke. A topless marijuana dispensary may be coming to Western Mass. The votes were there to pass the bill and Democrats in both branches flexed their political muscles in a 24-hour span to cement the licensing bill as law by clearing the two thirds hurdle needed for a veto override. The Massachusetts House passed legislation Wednesday that opens a pathway for some undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in the state, a Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. (Thomas Kurmeier via Getty Images), "We are a nation of immigrants. As Beacon Hill moves toward undocumented drivers' licenses, big-city mayors voice support, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. Secretary of State William Galvin has publicly refuted that claim. "If somebody can collect the signatures and put a question before the voters, then obviously the voters get a shot at it," Baker said. The override was not the only display of political strength Democrats made this week. Both Democratic candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for the veto override. The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. Senators voted 10-29 to reject Fattman's amendment. Baker in the past has voiced support for broader voting by mail, and he signed both the temporary law and extensions to it during the public health crisis. "There's a ton of policies and procedures and training that will have to be done across the registry to actually pull this off, and there's no one who works for the registry currently who knows what any of these foreign documents look like or how to determine their validity," he said. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. Massachusetts is on its way to joining 16 other states that grant drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. Undocumented workers in some states must choose between driving illegally and risking exposure to the virus by sharing rides. "Without a license, a routine traffic stop can have a lasting and traumatic set of repercussions: arrest, ICE detention, deportation. Charlie Baker and authorizing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. BOSTON (CBS) - The Senate passed a bill that would give immigrants without legal status a pathway to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Allowing undocumented immigrants in Connecticut to obtain driver's licenses may have reduced hit-and-run crashes in the state. The law, signed by Gov. Senators voted 32-8 in favor of the controversial Its treasurer will be Kevin Dube of North Andover, according to the form submitted to OCPF. In an event that went more than three hours before it featured any difference of opinion, mostly supporters testified in favor of two bills (S.2289/H.3456) before the Joint Committee on Transportation. Countries that have consular offices each have their own varied requirements to get an identification card. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. Rep. Paul Frost, a Republican from Auburn, said it would encourage immigrants to come to Massachusetts without trying to obtain legal status. Get a driver 's license bill license in Massachusetts Will now become.... 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