MI Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants

KOMORN LAW

STATE and FEDERAL
Aggressive Legal Defense
All Criminal Allegations / DUI / Drugs
Since 1993

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

Michigan Supreme Court restores wage and sick leave laws

Michigan Supreme Court restores wage and sick leave laws

Citizen-initiated proposals aimed at increasing the minimum wage and expanding paid sick leave In a significant ruling, the Michigan Supreme Court has reinstated the original minimum wage and paid sick leave laws that were initially gutted by the legislature in 2018....

read more
SCOTUS Decision Gives Starbucks a Win in Labor Dispute

SCOTUS Decision Gives Starbucks a Win in Labor Dispute

The decision underscored the principle that only activities that are essential and directly related to an employee's primary job responsibilities are subject to compensation. In a recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), Starbucks received a...

read more
Cannabis workers claimed employer violated labor laws

Cannabis workers claimed employer violated labor laws

Allegedly had to put on company-issued personal protective equipment (“PPE”) (such as masks, hair nets, arm sleeves, gloves, scrubs, and protective shoes) before clocking in Close to 1.2 milion settlement for 134 cannabis workers alleging wage violations under federal...

read more
The MSP is Concerned About Your Privacy (Firearms)

The MSP is Concerned About Your Privacy (Firearms)

Is the Michigan State Police really concerned about your DNA / biometric privacy?Here's what they say on their websiteThe Michigan State Police (MSP) is committed to protecting the privacy of your potentially personally identifiable data (PPID) in a strong and...

read more
Michigan Supreme Court – Forfeiture of 2006 Saturn ION

Michigan Supreme Court – Forfeiture of 2006 Saturn ION

FORFEITURE OF 2006 SATURN IONMichigan Supreme Court Ruling - July 25, 2025 The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that Detroit police can no longer seize cars through civil asset forfeiture unless they can demonstrate that the vehicle was used for drug trafficking.The...

read more
The MSP and Your Privacy (Criminal History)

The MSP and Your Privacy (Criminal History)

Is the Michigan State Police really concerned about your criminal history privacy?Here's what they say on their websiteThe Michigan State Police (MSP) is committed to protecting the privacy of your potentially personally identifiable data (PPID) in a strong and...

read more
Michael Komorn-Criminal Defense Attorney

About Your Attorney

Attorney Michael Komorn

Categories

Other Topics

Driving Under the Influence

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Michigan

Your Rights

Michigan Court of Appeals

Law Firm VIctories

Share This