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
Apparent cannabis testing bags in trash pile in Lansing
Michigan's marijuana laws mandate that both retail recreational and medical marijuana undergo comprehensive testing conducted by independent laboratories. The purpose of such testing is to identify and mitigate potential contaminants such as mold, mildew, and harmful...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Proposed Amendments of MRE
The Michigan Rules of Evidence are the rules adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court to govern evidentiary processes throughout Michigan's judicial system. Occasionally, the Rules of Evidence require amendments or changes. You can access proposed and recently-adopted...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Michigan’s Evidence Rules 1001-1008
Michigan's Rules of Evidence, established by the Supreme Court, dictate how evidence is presented and admitted in court proceedings. Rules 1001 through 1008, focusing on how written words, recordings, and photographs are treated as evidence.Rule 1001: Defining the...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rules 901-903 Authenticating Evidence
Michigan Rules 901-903 - Evidence Authentication Ever wondered how that document or recording made its way into a Michigan courtroom? The answer lies in Michigan Rules of Evidence 901 to 903, which govern the crucial step of authenticating evidence. This article...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 801-807 Hearsay Evidence
Michigan Rules of Evidence 801-807 Hearsay: In the courtroom, truth-finding is paramount. Yet, not every statement offered as evidence directly reveals the truth. Enter the realm of hearsay, statements made out of court, and the complex rules governing their...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 701-707 Opinions
Opinions - Everyone's got one or two or three: A Look at Michigan Rules of Evidence 701-707 Lay Versus Expert Opinions (Rules 701 & 702) Before delving into specific rules, it's crucial to establish the fundamental distinction between lay witnesses and expert...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 601-615 Witnesses
Navigating the Witness Box: A Look at Michigan Rules of Evidence 601-615 In the courtroom, witness testimony plays a crucial role in unveiling the truth and determining the outcome of a case. However, not everyone can simply walk into the courtroom and take the stand....
Judge tosses lawsuits stemming from Michigan’s marijuana recall
Judge tosses lawsuits stemming from Michigan’s marijuana recall LANSING, MI -- A Michigan Court of Claims judge on Jan. 2 dismissed two lawsuits linked to Michigan’s enormous 64,000-pound, $229 million 2021 marijuana recall that impacted an estimated 60% of all...
Another city approves to deprioritize enforcement of psychedelics
Another city in Michigan has recently agreed to prioritize local enforcement of laws pertaining to psychedelic substances. Additionally, they have shown their endorsement for a bill at the statewide level that aims to legalize specific ethogenic plants and fungi. On...
Evidence in Michigan Courts: Rule 501 – Privilege in General
Rule 501. Privilege; General Rule. Privilege is governed by the common law, except as modified by statute or courtrule.Have your rights been violated?Have your driving priviledges been revoked?Has your professional license been suspended?Have you been charged with a...
