Crighton-Sponsored Immigrant-License Bill Passes in Senate

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation Thursday that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

The bill, dubbed the Work and Family Mobility Act, was approved with a 32-8 vote, which ensures a veto-proof majority.

Filed by state Sens. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) and Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), the bill would allow residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license, the non-REAL ID license.

The bill has received widespread support from members of the law-enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community.

It proposes strict identity-documentation criteria, such as asking applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents.

It makes no change to the existing state law, which requires that all driver’s license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth.

“I am overjoyed that today the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Work and Family Mobility Act,” Crighton said. “Thank you to all who made their voices heard and fought for this bill that would make our roads safer and improve economic mobility for so many of our residents.”

Crighton said the bill would make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver’s license.

“In the absence of a robust regional public-transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car,” he said. “No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks, such as getting to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and grocery stores.”

A nearly-identical version of this legislation has already passed in the House of Representatives. It will move back to the House for further consideration, and ultimately has to be signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker.

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