Maryland Passes Bill Allowing Undocumented Immigrants to Obtain Driver’s Licenses
In a landmark decision, Maryland lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The bill, known as the Maryland Safe and Secure Driver’s Act, aims to make roads safer by ensuring that all drivers, regardless of their immigration status, are trained, tested, and insured.
“This is a historic day for Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan, who signed the bill into law. “By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, we are not only making our roads safer, but we are also providing a pathway to integration and empowerment for those who contribute so much to our state.”
Under the new law, undocumented immigrants will be able to obtain a special driving privilege card, which will allow them to legally operate a motor vehicle in Maryland. To qualify for the card, applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a foreign passport or consular ID, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of insurance.
Critics of the new law argue that it will encourage illegal immigration and reduce public safety. They point to other states that have implemented similar policies, such as California and New York, where undocumented immigrants can also obtain driver’s licenses. However, supporters of the law say that it will improve public safety by ensuring that all drivers on the road have passed a driving test and are insured.
“This law is not about immigration status, it’s about public safety,” said State Senator Victor Ramirez, who sponsored the bill. “We want to make sure that everyone on the road is trained, tested, and insured. This law will make our roads safer for all Marylanders.”
The Maryland Safe and Secure Driver’s Act has been met with mixed reactions from the immigrant community. Some undocumented immigrants see it as a positive step towards integration and empowerment, while others worry about the potential risks of coming forward to apply for a driver’s license.
“I have been driving without a license for years because I was afraid of being deported,” said Maria, an undocumented immigrant living in Maryland. “But now, with this new law, I can finally drive legally and without fear. It’s a huge relief for me and my family.”
The new law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2022, and the Maryland Department of Transportation is already preparing to begin issuing special driving privilege cards to undocumented immigrants. In the meantime, community organizations are working to educate undocumented immigrants about the new law and help them gather the necessary documents to apply for a driver’s license.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this new law will bring to undocumented immigrants in Maryland,” said Laura, a community organizer with CASA de Maryland. “We are committed to helping people navigate the process of applying for a driver’s license and ensuring that everyone can drive safely and legally on our roads.”
Overall, the passage of the Maryland Safe and Secure Driver’s Act represents a significant step forward in the push for immigrant rights and road safety in Maryland. By allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, the state is sending a clear message that all residents, regardless of their immigration status, deserve to be safe on the road.
