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
What is Qualified Immunity?
Qualified immunity began in 1871 when Congress adopted 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which makes government employees and officials personally liable for money damages if they violate a person’s federal constitutional rights. State and local police officers may be sued under §...
Accused of being high as a kite and smoking dirt weed
The Charge - OWI (Accident and 17 nanograms of THC) Set for Trial Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 8:00 am. We arrived at the Roscommon District Court House and were prepared for a 2-day jury trial. We had been preparing for weeks prior for this ongoing case from...
A Great Day for Medical Marijuana Patients
If you have been on probation... you know the rules. No consuming illegal drugs especially marijuana. But according to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act your doctor recommended use of medical marijuana in the State of Michigan... if you are a qualified patient you...
Victory in Ann Arbor Court for Medical Marijuana Patient on Probation
Komorn Law is proud to report a significant and relevant case victory directly related to our recent Michigan Court of Appeals Opinion win in the People v. Thue case where as a registered medical marijuana patient cannot be penalized for consuming medical marihuana...
Is it possible to use medical marijuana while on probation?
Is it ? For the last 13 years of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (“MMMA”), patients on probation have asked that simple question. Relying on the simple plain language in the act that protects a medical marijuana patient from denial of any right or privilege...
Biden DOJ takes IRS side in marijuana 280E tax argument
The Biden DOJ took the side of the IRS in the marijuana 280E tax arguement that state-legal cannabis businesses CAN be investigated by the IRS for probable violations of Section 280E of the tax code. It is believed to be one of the first times the U.S. Department of...
Michigan’s expungement laws will change in April
On Oct. 12, Whitmer signed House Bills 4980-4985 and 5120 into law to expand and simplify the state’s criminal record expungement process. The bills will take effect April, 11, 2021. The new law will expand the number and types of convictions that qualify for...
Patients can use medical marijuana while on probation in Michigan, appeals court rules
AP) — Judges can't prevent people from using medical marijuana while on probation for a crime, the Michigan Court of Appeals said. Anyone holding a state-issued medical marijuana card is immune to possible penalties, the appeals court said, 3-0. The court, however,...
Michigan judges can’t stop medical marijuana use by probationers
Registered patients previously barred from using medical marijuana while on probation may now light up, the state Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. “This opinion says the law is the law,” said Komorm, who represented the appellant in the case, “and we’re going to...
Victory for Medical Marijuana Patients in Michigan Court of Appeals
Medical marijuana patients have had their doctor recommended use of cannabis while on probation in restricted for a long time. Lead trial attorney and advocate for marijuana law reform Michael Komorn and his dedicated team of attorneys (specifically Ally McCormick)...
