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Gov. Phil Murphy is prepared to make one of the biggest changes to New Jersey driver's license access in recent years, signaling support for legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to drive.
Murphy has signaled support for legislation called the "New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act," which would let people who are living in New Jersey without legal status to apply for a driver's license.
Murphy, before signing legislation that would grant financial aid to undocumented immigrants last week, said the legislation is "moving along" and that discussions continue between the state Legislature and his administration.
"I don't have a handle on timing and we don't talk about specific bills until they get here, but conceptually, this is something that you should assume we're all in on," Murphy said.
In January, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano re-introduced the New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act (A1738). The legislation would create a new state-purpose driver’s license for qualified drivers but it would not be used for federal purposes such as flying or public benefits.
Within the past month, almost 200 hundred grassroots activists participated in a massive canvassing effort during peak morning commuting hours across New Jersey that spanned from Fort Lee in Bergen County to Pleasantville in Atlantic County to gather signatures on postcards in support of the legislation. Over 2,000 signatures were collected.
More than 500,000 New Jersey residents would benefit from the expansion, many of whom are senior citizens, undocumented immigrants, survivors of violence, college students, and others who are likely to have difficulty fulfilling the requirements, according to supporters of the legislation.
“Expanding access to driver’s licenses will make our roads safer, keep our families together, and improve our economy,” said Rosy Hernandez, member leader at Make the Road New Jersey. “It’s the right step for the Garden State and it will mean I can take my daughter to school and to the doctor without fear.”
New Jersey would become the 13th state to expand access to driver’s licenses in the U.S., following states like California, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia which have successfully implemented similar expansions.
Some do not support the legislation. Sen. Sam Thompson, R-Middlesex, criticized the plan, saying it would put elections at risk.
“How can we ensure that illegal immigrants will not be automatically registered to vote when they go to the MVC to get the new driver’s licenses?” Thompson asked. “What legitimate safeguards are in place to prevent this from happening? This legislation may make it easier for non-citizens to illegally participate in local, state, and national elections, jeopardizing our free and fair voting process.”
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