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.”
“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
- In Michigan, an affordable housing ‘emergency’ looms
- Michigan Democrats in no rush to prioritize ‘fixing the damn roads’
- Michigan passes $21.5B school budget with boost for at-risk students
- Cooling off period proposed for Michigan lawmakers to become lobbyists
- Lawsuit aims to disqualify Trump from Michigan ballot
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
![US Post Service Releases Final Rules for Mailing Of Hemp, CBD And Marijuana Vapes](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Final-rules-for-mailing-Of-Hemp-CBD-And-Marijuana-Vapes.jpg)
US Post Service Releases Final Rules for Mailing Of Hemp, CBD And Marijuana Vapes
The Postal Service revises its regulations in Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, to incorporate new statutory restrictions on the mailing of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Like cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, such items are...
![Michigan Legislative Bills Affecting the MMFLA 2021](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Michigan-Capital-1080x675.jpg)
Michigan Legislative Bills Affecting the MMFLA 2021
Bills affecting the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act in Michigan - 2021 DocumentTypeDescriptionSB 0461 of 2021Senate BillMedical marihuana: licenses; proof of financial responsibility criteria; modify. Amends sec. 408 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27408). TIE BAR...
![The Definition of Marijuana was Amended in Michigan](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Marijuana-Redefined-More-to-come-1080x675.jpg)
The Definition of Marijuana was Amended in Michigan
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 11, 2021 ***** On July 13, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation making changes to how marijuana is defined and regulated in the state, including products containing synthetic cannabis derivatives. HB 4517 revised the definition...
![Victory In Hillsdale](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Mother-Arrested-Son-Taken-Away.jpg)
Victory In Hillsdale
Komorn Law PLLC is proud to announce a victory in a DHHS/CPS matter in Hillsdale County. These cases, involving the removal of children from parents are always the toughest. This case received some notoriety in the press, because the incident that resulted in the...
![Communities in Michigan that have opted OUT of adult recreational use](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/150x150x2.png)
Communities in Michigan that have opted OUT of adult recreational use
Are you looking to get licensed in the marijuana industry in Michigan? You need to get prequalified then look for a location that allows it. Komorn Law is one the most sought after licensing and legal firms to hire in the state of Michigan to get you through the...
![Communities in Michigan that have opted in to adult recreational use](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Michigan-communities-opting-IN-to-the-adult-recreation-use-businesses.jpg)
Communities in Michigan that have opted in to adult recreational use
Are you looking to get licensed in the marijuana industry in Michigan? You really should get prequalified then look for a location that allows it. Komorn Law is one the most sought after licensing and legal firms to hire in the state of Michigan to get you through the...
![Meet the Michigan State Police Marijuana Investigation Division](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Knock-Knock-Its-the-Marijuana-Investigative-Division.png)
Meet the Michigan State Police Marijuana Investigation Division
Knock knock... Whose there? It's the Michigan State Police Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Division The Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section has statewide responsibility for conducting administrative inspections of all retailers of tobacco products as well...
![Possession of Body Armor in Michigan](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Body-Armor.jpg)
Possession of Body Armor in Michigan
Recently we had a client who was also a medical marijuana patient (no firearms) who had an issue with being in possession of a "bulletproof" vest or as legally defined "Body armor" meaning clothing or a device designed or intended to protect an individual's body or a...
![MRA – Immature Plant Sales Approval Process (Clones)](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/They-just-cant-get-enough-1080x675.jpg)
MRA – Immature Plant Sales Approval Process (Clones)
The administrative rules for marijuana businesses provide a pathway for cultivators –any type of grower under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act or the MichiganRegulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act – to transfer or sell immature plants tomarijuana sales...
![Governor Whitmer Signs Marijuana Legislation with More to Come](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/whitmer-1080x675.jpg)
Governor Whitmer Signs Marijuana Legislation with More to Come
Governor Whitmer Signs Marijuana Legislation Putting Michiganders' Health and Safety First LANSING, Mich. - July 13, 2021, Governor Whitmer signed legislation that protects the public health and safety of Michigan residents by regulating...