Lansing, MI— As Michigan lawmakers return from their Thanksgiving break, advocates gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to urge legislators to pass a package of bills aimed at allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The rally comes just weeks before Democrats lose control of the state House and their trifecta, creating a sense of urgency to pass the Drive SAFE bill package before the year’s end.
The Drive SAFE bills would restore the ability for undocumented immigrants to access driver’s licenses, a right that was taken away in Michigan in 2008. Currently, 19 states across the U.S. allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Supporters of the legislation argue that it would increase public safety, provide economic opportunities, and allow individuals to better care for their families.
Maria Ibarra-Frayre, a Michigan resident and advocate, shared her personal story during the rally. She explained that, in order to attend school, she had to drive without a license, a risky decision many undocumented immigrants face. “The Drive SAFE bills are about increasing public safety, economic opportunities, and delivering dignity to every Michigander who deserves the right to move freely, go to work, go to school, and care for their loved ones,” Ibarra-Frayre said.
Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), one of the sponsors of the Drive SAFE package, spoke out against opponents of the bill, accusing them of using the issue to divide communities and create hatred. “Folks have made this the dividing issue that is continuously trying to cause division and hatred amongst folks that look like me,” Rep. Aiyash remarked, addressing the crowd.
However, opposition remains strong. Rep. Andrew Fink (R-Hillsdale County) expressed concerns about the bill, suggesting that it could make it easier for people to violate federal immigration laws. Fink also questioned the economic benefits of the proposed change, arguing that the state’s economy would not be significantly impacted by giving undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses. “The only things that are going to do that are serious reforms to our tax code, to our energy prices, to our regulatory burdens on businesses,” he said.
Rep. Aiyash, however, pointed to the important role that undocumented immigrants play in Michigan’s agriculture industry, which is the second-largest sector in the state’s economy. He dismissed the opposition’s arguments, saying, “There is no sound reason not to pass this legislation…the only thing that is causing delay in this is cowardice.”
With less than a month remaining for the state House and Senate to pass the bills and secure a signature from the Governor, advocates are pressing lawmakers to act swiftly. The outcome of this debate will have a significant impact on both undocumented immigrants and Michigan’s broader economy in the coming years.
