LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Under new legislation that some Michigan lawmakers want to introduce, undocumented immigrants and others in the state would be able to obtain a driver’s license or other state identification cards if proof of residency can be established. 

Democrat legislators expressed their intent to prioritize the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom and the Economy) plan again, which would have a better chance of passing with Democrats in the majority. 

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The House and Senate versions of the bill would be identical according to Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit).  

Some supporters say that by enabling individuals to obtain proper identification would remove barriers to things like financial services, health care, and housing.  The plan would extend beyond those who are undocumented, but also to those under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients according to Representative Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids).  

Other supporters like the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice have argued that transportation is essential year round in lieu of the “absence of accessible, reliable public transportation 7 days a week year-round.” 

“The undocumented immigrants need to drive to work, school, church, medical appointments, grocery-shopping, and purchase goods and services out of their immediate areas,” ICPJ said. 

Estimates predict that about 55,000 people could obtain driver’s licenses in the first three years of it taking effect, according to Michigan League of Public Policy.  Michigan would also be joining 19 other states and Washington D.C. which currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s license or other identification. 

“These states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington—issue a license if an applicant provides certain documentation, such as a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport, or consular card and evidence of current residency in the state,” according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. 

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Already in 2023, Minnesota has enacted legislation allowing individuals to get driver’s licenses “without proof of lawful presence” the NCSL said. 

Washington led the charge some two decades earlier when its bill was enacted “This law allows drivers license applicants without Social Security numbers to provide alternate documentation to show proof of residence in the state of Washington such as home utility bills and tax identification numbers.”

In 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed support for driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, however, in 2008 while a Michigan State Senator, she voted against issuing driver’s licenses to anyone illegally in Michigan according to Michigan Senate Republicans.