Thursday statehouse rally pushes for driver licenses for undocumented residents

A movement that supports driver licenses for undocumented immigrants receives more support Thursday as City of Trenton-based Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) joins “Let’s Drive New Jersey” to back a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-20th District).

The New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act (A-1738) would “issue a driver’s license to a person who satisfies the requirements for the issuance of a basic driver’s license but cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States.”

Each applicant for a driver license would be required to offer proof of identity, date of birth and residence as conditions for being able to operate a motor vehicle. If A-1738 passes, New Jersey would join a dozen states in the nation that give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants.

The Quijano-sponsored proposal has received support from Gov. Phil Murphy, numerous state legislators including Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, and a list of organizations seeking driving freedom for undocumented and mixed-status immigrant families.

“The bill’s still being worked on. I had hoped for it to be done already but there were some amendments and other changes that needed to be taken care of,” Quijano said. “This bill will provide an economic boost for the state economy, monies received for license fees, registrations and insurance. It’s definitely an economic engine that will benefit New Jersey. Plus, just think about residents not having to make the choice of driving or not driving, especially during an emergency situation.”

Quijano expressed no timetable for the bill’s completion, only that she hopes for a bill presentation in the very near future.

Adriana Abizadeh, executive director for LALDEF, voiced a passionate need for driver license access as her non-profit joins a 10:30 a.m. at the State House Annex. Event organizers expect thousands who support license opportunities for all residents.

“The expansion of driver’s licenses in NJ would benefit over 450,000 individuals. There are three clear areas for positive impact: safer roads (tested drivers), increased revenue (license and registration fees), and increased trust (between police and underserved communities),” Abizadeh wrote. “But, more than that it has a direct benefit to the individual lives that it will impact. It will reduce commutes to and from work for people that are taking 2 and 3 buses to get to work. It will provide driving opportunities for vulnerable populations like seniors, undocumented immigrants, survivors of violence, and transgender individuals. NJ is far beyond the curve on this common sense measure, as 12 states and Washington DC already have expanded driver’s licenses. Let’s finally bring this to fruition. Advocates and legislatures have been working on this for over 15 years. The time is now. Let’s drive NJ!”

Estimates note the state would collect $11.7 million in additional license fees and more in other fees.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15th District) offered an email that delivered staunch backing for the Quijano bill.

“This is simply common sense legislation; this measure gives immigrants the chance to get a driver’s license through the same process as all New Jersey citizens,” Reynolds-Jackson responded. She noted that the bill “provides a way for immigrants to safely and legally be on the road. It provides them with transportation to work, doctors’ appointments, and allows parents to drive their children to school.”

Gusciora, who sponsored the Quijano bill before being elected mayor of Trenton, continues his support.

“Nobody should be denied an opportunity for securing a driver license. This bill allows people a chance to better serve themselves and their families,” Gusciora said.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.