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. The Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. The override was not the only display of political strength Democrats made this week. May 30, 2022 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has vetoed a bill that would allow immigrants without legal status to get driver's licenses. In your inbox every Thursday morning. Before the bill becomes law, representatives from the House and Senate must reconcile the different language between the two bills, and then it must be signed by Gov. Allowing undocumented immigrants to get around more easily would allow them to increase their earning potential and employers right now are having trouble recruiting qualified workers amid a time of record low unemployment in the state. They will 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. 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.. The Democratic-controlled Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a bill that will allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses. 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. The bill could also act as a lure to those in the country illegally knowing they could get a drivers license in Massachusetts, said Republican Rep. Paul Frost, of Auburn. But for How Long? Eight other states are considering similar laws. With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers licenses for unauthorized immigrants, Baker vetoes immigrant license access bill. She's covered politics, immigration, incarceration, and health for The Guardian, DigBoston, The Boston Globe, and The Associated Press. Immigrants are being squeezed under kitchen tables, into church basements and into shelters, they say. Convening a ballot question campaign committee is an early step along the road toward putting a referendum before voters, but it still indicates the law could be short-lived if petitioners -- who have support from Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl -- collect enough signatures in the next two and a half months. 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. The bill may look simple, but the issue, as we know, is complicated, said Democratic state Rep. William Straus, co-chair of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Transportation. Opponents of undocumented drivers license bill point to potential for illegal voting. 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. The vote was 32 to 8, with five Democrats voting with the chambers Republicans against the bill, State House News Service (SHNS) reported. Their bills to accomplish that never surfaced for floor votes, but legislative leaders kept the conversations going behind closed doors. 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. WebMIRA is proud to be part of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, which is advocating for the Work and Family Mobility Act). More than 100 lawmakers have signed onto bills that would make Massachusetts the 17th state to give undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become law. In your inbox every Thursday morning. 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. By making all immigrants eligible for a driver's license, we make it possible for all drivers to drive in a safe, secure manner, she said. Connecticut looks to join Massachusetts, others states in seeking ways to curb deadly highway wrong-way crashes. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 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. House and Senate leaders will need to agree on final language to send to Baker's desk, which they could try to do informally senators previously said the changes they made before bringing the proposal to the floor were technical in nature or by appointing a conference committee. These newly-licensed drivers will generate about $6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. 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. Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts will be able to obtain driver's licenses after state lawmakers voted Thursday to override a veto from Republican Gov. Senate Democrats are Kathy Lynch, a Republican state committee member from Westford, said she worries that the bill could result in fraud. "That's democracy.". After implementing a similar law, Connecticut saw a reduction of hit-and run crashes, and a decline in the number of people found guilty of unlicensed driving, an investigation by the GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting found. Proponents of the bill have touted it as beneficial for road safety, the news service reported, asserting that the approximately 185,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts would be tested before driving. APS ASSESSMENT: False. Advocates and lawmakers are holding a ceremonial bill signing to mark the new law on Monday afternoon which will be going into effect without the signature of Gov. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Currently, thirteen states and the District of Columbia have made a major investment in highway and public safety by allowing undocumented residents to apply for limited-purpose license and Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. Proponents said the measure will improve road safety and assuage immigrants worries of being revealed as undocumented and face deportation because of a routine traffic stop or accident. Huanhua Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China). It will also make it possible for immigrants and refugees to go about their lives with more peace of mind, Sweet said. Charlie Baker. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Opioid overdose deaths reached a new high in 2021, according to data released this week, fueled in part by the widespread presence of fentanyl and the anguish imposed by the pandemic. Mass illegal immigration is what you wanted Sign up for the newsletter to receive periodic updates on Cato research, events, and publications. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Contrary to prevailing opinions and fears, undocumented immigrants do have banking rights within the United States and can open bank accounts. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. A Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the spring showed residents were divided on the issue. 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. Critics of the measure have argued that drivers licenses are a privilege that should not be offered to those not in the country legally. At least 16 states, including Connecticut and Vermont, allow residents to get a drivers license or permit regardless of immigration status, supporters say. The bill still requires approval by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. Fanghua Guangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd. Thats because the states Republican governor, Charlie Baker, opposes giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Activists demanding Massachusetts lawmakers override Gov. "This bill would provide broad benefits to our municipalities. The conference committee that took months to produce an accord agreed to give prospective voters 10 more days before an election to register, but they opted against a Senate-approved policy allowing new voters to register and cast a ballot in one trip to the polls. Phil Murphy in December 2019 after a long debate, allows for a standard drivers license to be issued to immigrants regardless of legal status. Huanhua Road 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. And join the real revolution. "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. 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. Over the course of Thursday's debate, senators beat back attempts by Republicans and a handful of Democrats to distinguish the licenses that could be awarded to undocumented immigrants, either by offering them entirely separate "driver privilege cards" or by requiring a standard Massachusetts license issued to an immigrant without legal status to be printed in a different color or declare that it is not eligible as a form of identification. WebThe state offers 2 types of licenses, 1 of which complies with the REAL ID law for those who can provide proof of lawful presence. 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. Some who opposed the bill agreed with Gomez on one part of his testimony: that it is a pro-business bill. The bill is now backed by the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police and most Massachusetts sheriffs and district attorneys. Oversee budget development for new programs within RIS and update budgets for existing programs. Nobody has filed paperwork for a referendum yet, according to Secretary of State Bill Galvins office, but the group is expected to soon. "It sends the wrong message," Frost said. Now dip your toe in the water for two bucks , Five Social Policy Changes Maura Healey's Administration May, Unsure About Massachusetts Ballot Questions? DeSantis detailed the list of legislative proposals during a press conference in Jacksonville on Thursday, urging Florida state legislators to approve the initiatives that would increase criminal penalties for human smugglers, enforce a statewide ban on employers hiring illegal aliens, and prohibit counties from issuing drivers licenses to Driver's Licenses, ID Cards Being Replaced After Printer Mishap, Mass. Migrants have faced a warm welcome but major challenges, like housing and education. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The bill also states that immigrants eligible for the drivers licenses would not be registered to vote as a result. By Christian M. Wade Statehouse Reporter. It's ironing out the intraparty disagreements that often proves tougher, and more time-consuming. Room 8055, 5th floor. Senate overrides Baker veto: Undocumented immigrants will be able to get driver's licenses, With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers licenses for unauthorized immigrants, Baker vetoes immigrant license access bill. 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. 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. Thats bad policy. "But I think we've got enough interest to do it. 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. It could also prevent undocumented immigrants from fleeing police during a traffic stop for the sake of preventing identification as an undocumented immigrant and risking deportation, supporters say, according to SHNS. Additional drivers licenses equal more revenue through application fees, Gomez said. Previous research by The Pew Charitable Trusts examined the decisions that 10 states and the District of Columbia made when designing and implementing their laws to issue driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants. 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. Conservative media is hard to find in Massachusetts. Baker vetoed the bill on May 27, saying the Registry of Motor Vehicles did not have the capacity to verify the identities of immigrants without legal status and arguing that the bill "significantly increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote.". McCraw said that Asian Americans were targeted in hopes of finding "look-a-likes" for undocumented immigrants of Asian descent. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All the fears and the arguments and the objections have fallen short, said Gonzalez. 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. No. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. House Democrats in Massachusetts have passed a controversial measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Join us. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. We're 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. While the legislation has now cleared both chambers with more than three-quarters of elected lawmakers in support, Bay Staters in general are nearly evenly split on the idea of allowing people without legal immigration status to acquire Massachusetts licenses, according to a new poll. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. The ability to drive our car to the store, to the doctor's appointments and to take our kids to sports practices, or even getting involved with extracurricular activities while granting them a peace of mind that they should that, said Gomez, a Senate co-sponsor. If passed into law, immigrants would qualify for a Massachusetts standard driver's license if they presented valid proof of identity, date of birth and state residency. View All Newsletters. 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). 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. Its treasurer will be Kevin Dube of North Andover, according to the form submitted to OCPF. Sixteen other states already have laws on the books allowing undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses, Crighton told his colleagues. We found it incredibly hard a year ago," she said. 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. It is unnecessary because we are just focused on the ability of someone to drive.. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. That included Steve Kropper, co-chairman of Mass Coalition for Immigration Reform, who said he is a registered Democrat. Forty-seven percent said they opposed the drivers license bill, and 46 percent supported it, with 7 percent unsure. Proponents of the Work and Family Mobility Act have long said it will improve road safety and assuage immigrants worries of being revealed as undocumented and face deportation because of a routine traffic stop or accident. Legal Statement. Sign up for the GBH News Politics email newsletter, featuring complete local politics coverage along with insights from our team of political reporters. We fully support submitting this question to the people to give them a direct say in their future," Diehl said Thursday without making clear. Copyright2022 HongmeiCo.,Ltd.Allrightsreserved. Join us. Story tips can be sent tolouis.casiano@fox.com. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka, as they have for months at this point, said their respective branches continue to deliberate in private about still-in-development tax packages without offering many details beyond a broad promise that the bills would aim to help vulnerable populations. A bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers' licenses has passed the Massachusetts Senate. Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. 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. Listen Live: Classic and Contemporary Celtic, Listen Live: Cape, Coast and Islands NPR Station, The civil rights memorials that expose America's ugly history and warn of repeating the past, Boston Public Radio full show: March 1, 2023, No 'magic sleep button:' Separating sleep misinformation from facts on YouTube, Finding resilience in Black love, through good times and bad, At least 36 are dead in Greece after two trains collided. House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. 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. Not to mention, drivers with licenses are better equipped to obtain car insurance. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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.. They made their voices heard on Wednesday afternoon. About 7% are undecided. Mass illegal immigration is what you wanted Sign up for the newsletter to receive periodic updates on Cato research, events, and publications. The bill would not register undocumented immigrants to vote. To apply for a license, someone without legal presence would need to provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or a consular identification document as well as at least one of five other documents: a driver's license from another state, a foreign driver's license, a birth certificate, a foreign national ID card, or a marriage certificate from any U.S. territory. 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), 2 victims of fatal Salem head-on crash identified, 79 years later, soldier killed in WWII to be buried in Maine, Police identify woman found dead in Merrimack River. 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. Be registered to vote as a result 30, 2022 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker opposes... Poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the country legally Chiefs of Police and Massachusetts! 'S licenses by a 120-36 vote bill, and big ideas that our. Have fallen short, said Gonzalez be offered to those not in the country legally drivers license bill, publications... To OCPF interest to do it our team of political reporters welcome but Major challenges, like and... 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