Work and Family Mobility

Work and Family Mobility

TAKE ACTION NOW - WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Time Range For Action Alert: 
August 30, 2019 to September 4, 2019

The Massachusetts League of Women Voters strongly supports passage of An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility (H3012/S2061), which would make Massachusetts drivers licenses available to undocumented individuals.  The bill is currently before the  Transportation Committee on Beacon Hill, with a hearing set for September 4.  Please call our state representatives and state senator to let them know you are in favor of the bill.  Here are some of the reasons the bill deserves your support:

  • This legislation would enable all qualified Massachusetts drivers, regardless of immigration status, to go through the process of applying for a standard license.
  • The license could only be used to drive and not for benefits, boarding a plane, or voting.
  • The RMV is equipped to handle this two-tiered system.
  • This is a safety measure for all of us and will reduce hit and run accidents.
  • Large numbers of undocumented drivers have American-born children who have family needs.
  • According to estimates, in 2016 undocumented immigrants contributed $8.8 billion to the Massachusetts economy and paid $184.6 million in state and federal taxes.  
  • State RMV revenue and income from insurance sales both likely will be increased.
  • A number of states, including neighboring Vermont and Connecticut, have taken this step.
  • Many arrests leading to deportation are based solely on the fact that an undocumented driver was arrested for driving without a license.  
Issues referenced by this action alert: 
Immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet economic, business and employment needs; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises.
This action alert is related to which committees: 
Legislative Committee