MI Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants

Undocumented immigrants could obtain a Michigan driver license or state identification card under Democratic legislation that sponsors hope to make law this year.

Supporters say that giving more illegal immigrants legal permission to drive to work, medical appointments or other functions without the threat of arrest or deportation is a matter of “human dignity” that would benefit the economy, including farmers who rely on seasonal labor.

“It is not the state government’s purview or job to fix our broken immigration system,” House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, said.

 

“We’re not going to wait for the federal government to act to make sure that all Michiganders are going to be safe.”

Advocates argue that House bills 4410-4412 and Senate bills 265-267 would help protect people on the roads.

A lack of legal documentation can prompt drivers to flee the scene of an accident or their broken-down car out of fear of deportation.

“My colleagues and I will do everything we can to make sure that we have the votes that are necessary to get these bills passed and signed into law,” Senate Civil Rights Committee Chair Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, told reporters. 

“There’s not an apple, blueberry, asparagus, turkey, egg (farm) that this legislation wouldn’t help,” said Rob Steffens. “Our people want to follow the law, but they can’t.”

More from BridgeMI

FAQs

Q: What do Michigan House bills 4410-4412 do?

A: Michigan House bills 4410-4412 would make noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards available to applicants who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

Q: Why are these bills being introduced?

A: The bills are being introduced to address the needs of undocumented immigrants and other noncitizens who need a driver’s license or state identification card for driving, employment, and other purposes.

Q: Who would be eligible for a noncommercial Michigan driver’s license or state identification card under these bills?

A: To be eligible for a noncommercial Michigan driver’s license or state identification card under these bills, an applicant must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be a resident of Michigan
  • Meet all other requirements for a driver’s license or state identification card, except for the requirement of proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status

Q: How would noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards be different from regular Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards?

A: Noncommercial Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards would have the same appearance and function as regular Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards, except that they would be marked “NONCOMMERCIAL” and would not be valid for travel outside of the United States.

Q: When would these bills take effect if they are passed?

A: If these bills are passed and signed into law, they would take effect on October 1, 2024.

Additional information:

The bills were introduced by Representative Stephanie Chang on September 28, 2023.
The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Please note that this is just a summary of the legislation and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about the legislation, you should consult with an attorney.

More Posts

Smell of marijuana no longer legal grounds for search

Smell of marijuana no longer legal grounds for search

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer sufficient probable cause for police to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle. This decision overturns a previous precedent where the odor of marijuana was considered enough...

read more
Michigan Forfeiture News Articles

Michigan Forfeiture News Articles

Can the police sieze your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement agencies in Michigan to seize property they suspect is connected to criminal activity, even if the owner hasn't...

read more
What Happens When the Government Takes Your Property?

What Happens When the Government Takes Your Property?

Can the police sieze your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?Forfeiture laws in Michigan allow the government to seize property – like cash, cars, or even houses – if they believe it was involved in a crime.  This can happen even if the owner...

read more

Defending Against Criminal Sex Charges

Defense against false accusations of Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in MichiganDefending against a false accusation of Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in Michigan is a serious matter and requires a well-prepared legal strategy. Here are several steps you should take to...

read more
Forfeiture without Criminal Charges

Forfeiture without Criminal Charges

Can the police seize your belongings and hold it without charging you with a crime?Read the summary below and watch Attorney Michael Komorn in the Court of Appeals.Summary of "Ruben Delgado v. Michigan State Police": This case was filed in the Jackson County Circuit...

read more
Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) – Michigan

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) – Michigan

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in Michigan: Definitions, Penalties, and Legal References.Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) is a set of laws in Michigan that define and penalize various forms of sexual offenses. These laws are categorized into four degrees, with each degree...

read more
23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and your data is?

23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and your data is?

As of Friday 3/28/25, the firm’s shares were worth less than a dollar.If you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248) 357-2550Genetic testing service...

read more
Free Speech, Terror and Michigan Law

Free Speech, Terror and Michigan Law

Michigan Supreme Court Vacates Court of Appeals Ruling, Temporarily Preserves State Anti-Terror StatuteIf you are charged with a crime you're part of the State of Michigan family now. Call us - Because you don't want to be a part of that family. Komorn Law (248)...

read more
Michael Komorn-Criminal Defense Attorney

About Your Attorney

Attorney Michael Komorn

Categories

Other Topics

Driving Under the Influence

Michigan

Your Rights

Michigan Court of Appeals

Law Firm VIctories

Share This