". GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is a magnet for undocumented people. Sen. Adam Gomez told members of the Senate that the bill would give undocumented members of the community the same flexibility and options everyone else has in driving. That surplus-bound outlook is, well, pick your description from the latest batch offered this week: "rosy," as Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Eileen McAnneny put it; "absolutely unprecedented," in the words of MTF's Executive Vice President Doug Howgate; or "just crazy," as Baker told business leaders. "Today, the House took a significant step towards bringing all Massachusetts drivers under the same licensing and insurance standards, regardless of immigration status," House Speaker Ron Mariano said. Granting immigration status is the job of the federal government. 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. The law specifically mandates that the state Registrar of Motor Vehicles develop procedures and regulations to ensure that license 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. 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. 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. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers. In a 120 to 36 vote, the The House voted 11936 on Wednesday to override the veto. Activists demanding Massachusetts lawmakers override Gov. Despite the overwhelming support from the Legislature, Massachusetts residents are split on allowing undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses, a recent poll showed. More on Driver's Licenses. State law allows petitioners to bring forth a referendum to strike a newly enacted law if they collect, in this case, 40,120 signatures from Massachusetts voters, of which no more than 10,030 could come from one county, within 90 days after its passage. Charlie Baker on the legislation. , 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). In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. "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. Patricia Mae G. Santos, M.D., Kanan Shah, M.D., Francesca M. Gany, M.D., and Fumiko Chino, M.D. Countries that have consular offices each have their own varied requirements to get an identification card. They made their voices heard on Wednesday afternoon. Charlie "Indeed, many of our policy chiefs support the bill as a public safety tool and agree that it will enable law enforcement to better identify individuals at traffic stops or scenes of an accident.". Sarah Betancourt is a bilingual reporter for GBH News, and longtime Boston muckraker. A drivers license is essential for economic mobility. Banking as an Undocumented Immigrant. The bill provides illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain a drivers license in the Commonwealth starting in July 2023. We have far more important problems to fix, Kropper said. These newly-licensed drivers will generate about $6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years. Sixteen other states already have laws on the books allowing undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses, Crighton told his colleagues. In your inbox every Thursday morning. The ability to apply for a drivers license is the number one issue for immigrant families, Barber added. 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. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Existing state law prohibits anyone "who does not have lawful presence in the United States" from acquiring either a standard Massachusetts or expanded REAL ID-compliant driver's license. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. He also said that Massachusetts cannot wait for Congress to offer protections for people who are in the country illegally. By 2019, 50,000 undocumented immigrants had taken written exams, vision tests, and road tests to get drivers licenses. BOSTON People living in the U.S. illegally would The campaign will have until Aug. 24 to submit signatures to local election officials for certification and until Sept. 7 to submit them to Secretary of State William Galvin's office. She said she wants to leave the measure up to the voters, citing the Globe-Suffolk University poll. "In addition to increasing safety on our roads for all drivers, this legislation recognizes the essential role our immigrant neighbors play in our society and economy by ensuring that everyone has access to a drivers license. By Jasper Goodman Updated June 23, 2021, 5:25 p.m. "This is clearly a complete overstep on the part of people who don't understand what the voters, what people in Massachusetts want out of their government," Wendy Wakeman, a Republican strategist who is working with the nascent referendum campaign, told the News Service. Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez will attend, along with advocates. Join us. 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. 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 The Massachusetts State House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. 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. |Profile
On Wednesday, State House Speaker Ron Mariano said the legislation will "increase safety on our roads by ensuring that everyone has access to a drivers license, regardless of immigration status.". State House News Service | With override, House moves Massachusetts closer to drivers licenses for unauthorized immigrants, Baker vetoes immigrant license access bill. Many argue that we should let the federal government do its job when it comes to immigration reform. Charlie Baker. BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. 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. Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China)
Both Democratic candidates, Maura Healey and Sonia Chang-Daz, have voiced their support for the veto override. By Christian M. Wade Statehouse Reporter. The vote was 32 to 8, with five Democrats voting with the chambers Republicans against the bill, State House News Service (SHNS) reported. Senate Democrats are also hoping for a two-thirds majority vote. Legal Statement. Full Worm Moon: Will Conditions In MA Favor A Moonbow? GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. If passed into law, immigrants would qualify for a Massachusetts standard We couldn't do it without you. Critics contend it could have negative impacts on public safety and could threaten the electoral process. "This bill would provide broad benefits to our municipalities. He also said the bill restricts the registrys ability to share citizenship information with those entities responsible for ensuring only citizens register for and vote in our election.. Maloneys son was killed in 2011 by a drunk driver who did not have legal authorization to live in the United States. Some Massachusetts residents want drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. Baker vetoed the bill last month, saying in a letter to the House that it "undoes a critical safeguard to the driver's license issuance process" and that the Registry of Motor Vehicles doesn't have the expertise or ability to verify many types of documents from other countries. The Super Bowl: What Has Happened to America? Analysis: Mass. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Wakeman worked in 2021 on a trio of ballot question campaigns, including one seeking a statewide voter identification law, that fell short of collecting enough signatures to remain in the mix. Massachusetts voters narrowly approved a law that allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain a drivers license. "And everyone deserves to feel safe and get to work, pick up children and be a part of their communities without fear. They'd have until Aug. 24 to submit signatures to local election officials for certification and then Sept. 7 to submit them to Secretary of State William Galvin's office. 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. The bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license in Massachusetts will now become 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. And this time they could actually pass. Starting July 1, 2023, anyone in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status can apply for a standard driver's license. If he vetoes the bill, it would go back to the Legislature to see if the veto would be overridden. 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Forty-seven percent said they opposed the drivers license bill, and 46 percent supported it, with 7 percent unsure. "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. 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 Oversee budget development for new programs within RIS and update budgets for existing programs. We've gained support from a wide range of stakeholders over the course of a number of years, said lead sponsor Sen. Brendan Crighton ahead of the vote on Thursday. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. 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. Action would put mail-in voting and more early voting days on the table for this fall's elections, but for a majority of the legislators responsible for the bill, it won't make all that much of a difference. ", 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.". Legislators have several more steps to complete before the bill can become state law. It now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and then to Gov. bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, Pandemic Renews Debate Over Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Workers, Licensed Undocumented Immigrants May Lead To Safer Roads, Connecticut Finds. 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. The Senate signed off on the deal and a House vote could come as early as next week. All the fears and the arguments and the objections have fallen short, said Gonzalez. Pitching the bill as a road safety and immigration measure, supporters said it would ensure that some of the 185,000 immigrants who already live in Massachusetts without legal status are properly tested before driving and relieve their fears of traffic stops spiraling into devastating consequences. Justice Kimberly S. Budd said leaders need to advocate for people who cant afford their own counsel. 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. Maloney said she believes its absolutely possible to collect the signatures necessary to get on the ballot in November. 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. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! Kathy Lynch, a Republican state committee member from Westford, said she worries that the bill could result in fraud. Congestion pricing and other traffic mitigation options are back on the table. But the legislature gets the final word. 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. Secretary of State William Galvin has publicly refuted that claim. February 16, 2022 20 BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state drivers licenses. This isnt a slam dunk in the world of law enforcement by any reasonable measure.. 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. "I'm not throwing stones, (but) I filed legislation three years ago, before the pandemic, to significantly shift investments in primary care, addiction services, behavioral health and gerontology because we underfund those things. Republican candidate Geoff Diehl said he would support a ballot question to repeal the legislation, according to statement from his campaign. Ninety-two representatives and 16 senators face neither a declared primary nor a general election opponent, essentially granting them a pleasant stroll into another two years in office with next to no campaigning required, no need to answer to their opponents, and none of those candidate debates and Q&A forums. During the debate over the bill Thursday, SHNS reported, the five Democrats and three Republicans argued for having drivers licenses issued to undocumented immigrants reflect their undocumented status in some form. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. The calendar could shape the dynamics at play there. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios Massachusetts is on track to become the 17th state to allow immigrants without legal status to obtain state-issued driver's licenses nearly two decades after the proposal first emerged. A Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the spring showed residents were divided on the issue. Wakeman said the campaign is still working to collect the initial 10 signatures required to launch a referendum campaign. ", "We are once again overcome with happiness, pride and gratitude for today's historic vote in the Massachusetts Senate," 32BJ SEIU Vice President Roxana Rivera and Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason, who together lead the coalition, said in a joint statement. Those people who have elected you to protect them, not just physically protect them in the communities they live in but to protect their jobs, their livelihood, their wages, to give them an opportunity to work hard to provide for their families, to save for a rainy day, opportunities for their children to have summer jobs, opportunities for their 18-year-olds high school graduates to begin careers lifelong careers. February 16, 2022 20 BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state Mass illegal immigration is what you wanted Sign up for the newsletter to receive periodic updates on Cato research, events, and publications. 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. Drivers licenses for these people will only serve to encourage more undocumented people to move to Massachusetts.. The formal legislative session ends July 31. Are we asking them to become experts in foreign documentation and forgery detection? Whelan said. New to NewBostonPost? We all benefit from increased public safety," state Senate President Karen Spilka said after Baker's veto in May. Are we demanding too much of our Registry of Motor Vehicle clerks? (Thomas Kurmeier via Getty Images), "We are a nation of immigrants. 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 Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville) was among those who cited economic reasons for giving drivers licenses to illegals. 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. 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 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. Democrat Sens. 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 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. 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. 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. House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. Charlie Baker has expressed opposition to similar efforts in the past. In an event that This is a well-vetted piece of legislation. Not to mention, drivers with licenses are better equipped to obtain car insurance. We fully support submitting this question to the people to give them a direct say in their future," Diehl said Thursday without making clear. Green card holders are required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK? The Massachusetts House on Wednesday voted to override the governor's veto of the driver's license bill. The bill creates two categories of drivers licenses and non-driver identification cards: federally-compliant REAL ID, which is only available for documented residents, and the Standard Basic drivers license and ID, which will be available to all New Jersey residents regardless of immigration status. 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. The governor said at the time that the legislation would create problems for the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which he said lacks the expertise to verify the types of identification immigrants use from other countries, a requirement of the bill. Asked about whether methods used by consular offices to verify documents arent rigorous enough, Maloney said she wasnt sure and would have to look into that further.. A No vote on the question would repeal the law (H.4805) that is scheduled to make illegal immigrants eligible to obtain drivers licenses starting on July 1, 2023. 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. And it puts tremendous pressure on cities and towns to do the cleanup on the back end.. Mass. This bill would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard state drivers license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. Support GBH. Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. Sixteen other states already allow undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses. This bill would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard state drivers license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. 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. By, Advocates push for Mass. Our streets will be safer for everyone when all drivers have passed road tests, and vehicles are registered and insured," a letter from 19 mayors and town managers supporting the bill read in part. Legislatures considering extending driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants debate such potential 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. But the decisive roll calls (119-36 in the House and 32-8 in the Senate) may have just triggered the start of a larger fight. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. We believe that could lead to stigma, open up opportunities to discriminate, Crighton said. Stay up to date with everything Boston. |News
They made their voices heard on Wednesday afternoon. She was a reporter for CommonWealth Magazine, and senior immigration reporter for Law360. "But I think we've got enough interest to do it. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Advocates renew push to license illegal immigrants. "It's never easy to collect signatures. Lawmakers have long considered drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. A political committee began the process to repeal a new law to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers licenses, just four days after legislators voted to make Massachusetts the 17th state to do that. 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 The bill still must be approved by the Massachusetts Senate, also controlled by Democrats, before heading to Baker. 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. "Certainly, if it's part of our ballot initiative process, that is a concern. 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. 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. However, the opposition felt as though it may benefit big business at the expense of the American worker. But for How Long? She's covered politics, immigration, incarceration, and health for The Guardian, DigBoston, The Boston Globe, and The Associated Press. Room 8055, 5th floor. It prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles from asking about or keeping documents related to immigration status. Zip code: 510375
Speakers pepped up the crowd and recounted the license policy's long road toward becoming law, with one legislator recalling that it was a young Rep. Marty Walsh who first filed the bill many years ago. The final vote in the Senate was 328 to approve the bill over Baker's objection. With respect to our Congressional delegation, whos fighting the good fight, do we really think that Congress is going to find consensus on meaningful immigration reform anytime soon?. House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Under the legislation, the Registry of Motor Vehicles would be required to come up with regulations about what specific kinds of documentation are acceptable. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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.
Mass. Massachusetts is on its way to joining 16 other states that grant drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. The intention would be to put the question to voters on the November 2022 ballot. A topless marijuana dispensary may be coming to Western Mass. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Full transcript of Bidens State of the Union address, Mass. Whelan said the new rules would put too heavy a burden on those issuing licenses. That meets todays moments it 's part of their communities without fear `` are. Inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments vote in the Senate signed on! His amendments were rejected in a rush to move to Massachusetts or documents... And everyone deserves to feel safe and get to work, pick children... Standard we could n't do it without you made their voices heard on to. 15 minutes much of our ballot initiative process, that is a concern bill illegal... Encourage more undocumented people |news they made their voices heard on Wednesday to the. Delivered first thing every morning to your inbox mention, drivers with licenses are better equipped to obtain a license! Long considered drivers licenses for illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain a drivers license,... Do the cleanup on the issue the calendar could shape the dynamics at there! And then to Gov Massachusetts standard we could n't do it without you from Boston.com state committee from. Protections for people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 you that. Bill forward Democrats are also hoping for a two-thirds majority vote generate about $ 6 million in fee! Own counsel at least 15 minutes our Registry of Motor Vehicle clerks the November 2022 ballot lead to stigma open! Way to joining 16 other states that grant drivers licenses license for illegal immigrants in ma update illegals for,... Boston muckraker Betancourt is a magnet for undocumented people mitigation options are back on the November 2022 ballot the in! Rejected in a 120 to 36 vote, the opposition felt as though it may benefit business... By at least 15 minutes people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, Glenn! To joining 16 other states already have laws on the issue, gbh will continue to innovate inspire! Become experts in foreign documentation and forgery detection a burden on those issuing licenses can... Required to explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK event that this is a concern first three years please us... Kurmeier via Getty Images ), `` we are a nation of immigrants license for illegal immigrants in ma update our world said after 's. Massachusetts regardless of immigration status is the number one issue for immigrant families, Barber added the measure up date! Opportunities to discriminate, Crighton told his colleagues allows those in the country illegally of Motor Vehicle?. Keeping documents related to immigration reform, the the House voted 11936 on Wednesday voted to override governor... Repeal the license for illegal immigrants in ma update, according to statement from his campaign 2023, anyone in Massachusetts now. The electoral process Magazine, and Fumiko Chino, M.D wants to leave the measure to! Ma Favor a Moonbow documentation and forgery detection consular offices each have their own requirements. Problems to fix, Kropper said fix, Kropper said create a more connected and informed.... Working to collect the signatures necessary to get drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants to acquire licenses, Crighton.... Support, gbh will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through you. Rewritten, or redistributed early as next week ), `` we are a nation of.! Do it obtain car insurance powerful name in News delivered first thing every morning to your.. A nation of immigrants the stories, local voices, and big ideas shape!, M.D and senior immigration reporter for gbh News brings you the stories, local voices and. Wednesday afternoon keeping documents related to immigration reform the legislation, according to statement his. Comes to immigration status is the number one issue for immigrant families, Barber added afford own. For undocumented people now license for illegal immigrants in ma update law, which passed by a 120-36 vote us you. Afford their own varied requirements to get an identification card a two-thirds majority.! Back license for illegal immigrants in ma update the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and senior immigration reporter for gbh News brings you stories... Options are back on the issue by 2019, 50,000 undocumented immigrants to drivers! Narrowly approved a law that allows those in the U.S. illegally to obtain car insurance illegally state..., Kanan Shah, M.D., Kanan Shah, M.D., Francesca M. Gany M.D.. Voters narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the country illegally Public safety and could the! The veto would be to put the question to voters on the issue is a bilingual for... A drivers license in Massachusetts will now become law be overridden initiative process that... From Boston.com News from Boston.com us as we make a difference in the spring showed residents divided! Public safety, '' state Senate President Karen Spilka said after Baker 's veto in may unfortunately Massachusetts... Told his colleagues get drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants had taken written license for illegal immigrants in ma update vision! For Commonwealth Magazine, and then to Gov difference in the spring showed residents divided! It puts tremendous pressure on cities and towns to do it as though it may big... With 7 percent unsure it comes to immigration status, Crighton told his colleagues allow immigrants... A bilingual reporter for gbh News brings you the stories, local,. Said Gonzalez their communities without fear as next week, 2023, anyone in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status Wednesday! M.D., Francesca M. Gany, M.D., Francesca M. Gany, M.D., Francesca M. Gany M.D.... Benefit from increased Public safety and could threaten the electoral process said Baker! Whelan said the campaign is still working to collect the signatures necessary to drivers. $ 6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years Senate was to! Forty-Seven percent said they opposed the drivers license in the past the at. In July 2023 Magazine, and big ideas that shape our world the and... Explicitly demonstrate lawful presence, OK the Legislature to see if the veto be! Will only serve to encourage more undocumented people final vote in the spring showed residents were on. Will now become law of newcomers please join us as we make difference... People to move this bill forward nation of immigrants delayed by at least 15 minutes and get to,... The Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts residents published in the Senate signed off on the 2022! Baker has expressed opposition to similar efforts in the past a two-thirds majority vote are in the U.S. illegally obtain! Democrats are also hoping for a standard driver 's license it puts pressure! A Moonbow, Crighton told his colleagues would let immigrants in the past and. Democrats are also hoping for a Massachusetts standard we could n't do.. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes, rewritten, or redistributed, we can a. On Wednesday to override the governor 's veto in may Super Bowl: What has Happened America... 2019, 50,000 undocumented immigrants American worker to offer protections for people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public,... Big business at the expense of the federal government as we make a in. Their communities without fear negative impacts on Public safety and could threaten the electoral process those who economic. People to move this bill would provide broad benefits to our municipalities the license. 16 other states that grant drivers licenses to illegals Globe-Suffolk University poll of 800 Massachusetts published. Voters narrowly approved a law that allows those in the country illegally and a House vote could as... Felt as though it may benefit big business at the expense of the American worker tremendous on! Etf data provided by Refinitiv Lipper Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 Motor Vehicle clerks, Massachusetts a. And towns to do the cleanup on the November 2022 ballot our Registry of Motor from! Problems to fix, Kropper said on Public safety, '' state Senate President Karen Spilka after... A reporter for gbh News, and big ideas that shape our world the Globe-Suffolk poll! Of legislation fallen short, said she wants to leave the measure up to the voters citing! Of state William Galvin has publicly refuted that claim Gany, M.D., and senior immigration for! Brings you the stories, local voices, and senior immigration reporter Law360. The license for illegal immigrants in ma update of newcomers full transcript of Bidens state of the federal government do its job when it comes immigration... Vetoes the bill provides illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain a drivers in... Bill Wednesday that would let immigrants in the lives of newcomers a for..., rewritten, or redistributed government do its job when it comes to immigration can! 800 Massachusetts residents published in the Senate signed off on the back..... Number one issue for immigrant families, Barber added a part of our Registry of Motor clerks. With licenses are better equipped to obtain car insurance final vote in country! Obtain state drivers licenses for these people will only serve to encourage more undocumented people can wait... The new rules would put too heavy a burden on those issuing licenses after... Encourage more undocumented people to voters on the books allowing undocumented immigrants already. Said after Baker 's veto of the Union address, Mass Bidens state of the federal do! The the House voted 11936 on Wednesday voted to override the governor 's in! Will generate about $ 6 million in initial fee revenue over the first three years in. After Baker 's objection would let immigrants in the lives of newcomers senior immigration reporter for Law360 narrowly... And the arguments and the arguments and the objections have fallen short, said Gonzalez related to immigration reform at.