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We need drivers Licenses for the undocumented

A number of my undocumented friends drive to work without a driver's license. They've been  doing it for years. They don't have licenses because in 2003 Gov. Pawlenty took them away. Never mind that twelve states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico allow undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses. 

 Over the years, I've talked to local police about the driver's license problem among the undocumented in our community. I've been told that, at least in some towns in central Minnesota, the police are well aware of who doesn't have a license. As long as they follow the other traffic laws the police leave the undocumented and unlicensed to drive about. They agree, however, that it would be better if the undocumented drivers could get licenses, formal drivers training, and insurance. Everybody would be safer that way.
Representative Winkler has introduced HF 1500 in the Minnesota Legislature. If the legislation became law my undocumented friends could get licenses. Rep. Winkler has got thirty-two co-sponsors for the legislation. However, neither of the representatives from Senate District 9, where we have so many undocumented people, is a co-sponsor. Call or email Reps Posten 651-296-4293 or rep.john.poston@house.mn and Kresha 651-296-4247 or rep.ron.kresha@house.mn and tell them to co-sponsor HF 1500. We will all be a little safer if it becomes law.

 Thanks to the Immigrant Law Center, here are some good reasons to support drivers licenses for the undocumented. 
How does issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants benefit Minnesota?

It makes our roads safer for everyone
• Undocumented drivers would need to pass a written and driving test to obtain a license, ensuring all drivers are certified to drive.
• With licenses, undocumented drivers will also be required to purchase auto insurance. After passing laws to allow undocumented drivers access to licenses, New Mexico saw its rate of uninsured drivers drop by 24%. Utah saw a similar drop of 20%.

It would benefit families and the economy
• In Minnesota, an undocumented immigrant’s annual income would increase an estimated $1,500-4,400 if permitted to obtain a driver’s license. That means more spending, boosting Minnesota’s economy for all of us.
• Greater Minnesota and the agricultural sector depend on immigrant workers, who need safe and legal access to roads in rural areas with little to no existing public transit.
• All drivers benefit from lower auto insurance rates in states that grant undocumented immigrants access to drivers licenses.
• In Oregon, research found that barring undocumented immigrants from receiving driver’s licenses would likely cause the state to lose $134-201.9 million in gross domestic product due to the difficulty undocumented immigrants would have in accessing their jobs without driving.

It would make life safer for our undocumented neighbors and friends
• As of 2013, 32,000 U.S. citizen children in Minnesota have undocumented parents, 2.6% of all children under 18 in the state. For these mixed-status families, issuing licenses to undocumented immigrant parents means giving U.S. citizen children safer access to essential services like education and healthcare.
• Law enforcement supports creating access to driver’s licenses for all immigrants to be able to verify everyone’s identity, giving them greater ability to protect public safety.
• Allowing undocumented immigrants access to licenses would grant greater ability to enforce laws in immigrant communities. Allowing undocumented immigrants access to a license, a way to drive legally, and a way to identify themselves to law enforcement would increase trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, leading to greater collaboration and cooperation.
• Undocumented immigrants with access to driver’s license are able to help their citizen children go to school, to the doctor, and to activities and employment, building stronger families and communities for all.

How would it work?
• Driver’s licenses would be distinctively marked as required under federal law and would not be valid for REAL ID purposes. Issuing licenses without proof of immigration status would not only benefit undocumented immigrants, but also those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and other groups who may have difficulty obtaining hard-to-access documentation.  

 Tim
Central Minnesota Political




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