Thread: MN-Immigrant driver's license bill moves on to March 16 hear

Immigrant driver's license bill moves on to March 16 hearing
Caitlin Burgess
March 15, 2010

Members of the Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division of the Minnesota House of Representatives met March 10 to hear testimony on a bill that would change Minnesota drivers license requirements. House Bill 1718, presented by co-author Rep. Karen Clark, would modify application procedures and requirements for individuals, allowing even undocumented residents to qualify for a license.

Next hearing: Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 15. If approved will then go to the House Transportation and Finance Committee.


According to Patricia McCormack, Director of the Driver and Vehicle Services division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, an individual is required to have "legal presence" in the state to qualify for a license. Immigration documents, a valid driver's license or a certified United States birth certificate are among the documents used by the state to authenticate a person's identity. According to McCormack, identification cards and documents from foreign governments are not accepted forms of ID because all countries have different requirements.

"A lot of these identification cards are easy to replicate and they may not have security features, so we cannot authenticate that individual," she said.

Under the provisions of the new bill, an ID from the individual's home country and proof of residency, such as a Minnesota tax document, would be accepted to prove one's identity. Some legislators were concerned about immigration issues.

"Saying they are who they say they are is one thing, but legal or illegal is a different situation," Rep. Marty Seifert said.

The DVS supports the current policy of legal presence.

"Most states are trying to abide by the immigration laws and also trying to be able to license their drivers," McCormack said.

Witnesses in favor of the bill included Jovita Morales of Mujeres en Liderazgo, attorney Bruce Nestor, and Jonatan Gudino, who works at the University of Minnesota. Nestor urged committee members "not to get caught up in the rhetoric and politics of immigration," but to focus more on public safety, the potential revenue benefits and the historic importance of being the fifth state to implement this change.

"I view this as a public safety issue," Rep. Clark said. "We would not be the first state to do this."

Of the 16 members of the committee eight voted yes, five voted no, one abstained, and two were not present. After the vote, members of Mujeres en Liderazgo, who had come to support the bill, rejoiced in the hallways.

"This is an historic moment," Rep. Clark said. "This is a first step."


http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/ ... 16-hearing

"Most states are trying to abide by the immigration laws and also trying to be able to license their drivers," McCormack said.

More like 45 out of 50 don't issue licenses to illegal aliens.

Dixie

I predict a rush of illegals to MN where they can get driver's licenses and the benefits that result.

Ruthie from MNSIR asked me to post this - they need our help.

From: Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform <minnsir@yahoo.com
P L E A S E !!!!!!
CALL AND/OR EMAIL ASAPThe hearing is this Thursday 3/18 WE MUST BE HEARD!!!!!See the bill information below as well as contact information

Seeing it is unclear who voted in favor and who is oppose
PLEASE make your emails precise, direct and respectful - but clear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two that are opposing the legislation are Rep. Mary Holberg (R) and Rep. Greg Davids (R)
please email them with a thank you and ask them to hold the line and defeat this bill.

Contact your legislators and those candidates you support -
for assistance in derailing this bill immediately !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOUSE AUTHORS
Michael Paymar
651-296-4199
E-mail: rep.michael.paymar@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Lisa Gonzalez 651-296-4388


Bernie Lieder
651-296-5091
E-mail: rep.bernie.lieder@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Susie Maher 651-296-5494

David Bly
651-296-7065
E-mail: rep.david.bly@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Rebekah Smith 651-296-8879

Frank Hornstein
651-296-9281
E-mail: rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Anne O'Connor 651-296-5507

Jerry Newton
651-296-5369
E-mail: rep.jerry.newton@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Tim Remer 651-297-5723

Carlos Mariani
651-296-9714
E-mail: rep.carlos.mariani@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Celeste Marin 651-296-9115

Karen Clark
651-296-0294
E-mail: rep.karen.clark@house.mn

Legislative Assistant: Jacob Johnson 651-296-5998

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/c ... comm=86125
Click this link for the Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division
Put the heat of these Members and the Authors above

Contact
Governor Tim Pawlenty and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau
Telephone: (651) 296-3391
Toll Free: (800) 657-3717
Facsimile: (651) 296-2089
E-mail: tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us