Amendment To Give Illegal Immigrants Ability To Obtain Driver’s Licenses Withdrawn In House

By JULIE CUNNINGHAM

(Boston, MA) An amendment that would have given illegal immigrants in the State of Massachusetts the ability to obtain a state issued Driver’s License was pulled Monday in the House after debate began on the economic package it was tied to. Representative Christine Barber pulled the amendment after likely fears the measure would not pass. The amendment was part of H(4879) An Act Enabling Partnership for Growth, which is an act to promote economic development and job creation.

“Persons who do not provide proof of lawful presence, including those who are ineligible for a social security number, shall be eligible for a Massachusetts license if they meet all other qualifications for licensure and provide satisfactory proof to the registrar of identity, date of birth and Massachusetts residency. When processing an application for a Massachusetts license, a learner’s permit, or a motor vehicle registration, the registrar shall not inquire about or create a record of an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status,” read part of the withdrawn amendment.

An Act Enabling Partnership for Growth passed the House by a vote of 156 to 3 on Tuesday. To view the bill and the amendments click here.