The chances of an undocumented person residing in Michigan getting a driver's license are slim to none now that the Legislature is nearing its end, and the Democratic Party's “three-way” control of the state House, Senate, and governor's office is slimming. Domination is coming to an end.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Michigan Democrats scrambled to pass a flurry of bills to address many of their pet projects. It included the Drive SAFE bill, which would allow individuals to obtain a state driver's license without providing proof of citizenship or legal residence.
“Giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens not only encourages criminal infiltration, but also puts public safety at risk.”
Despite the party's overall unity, two Democrats, Rep. Karen Whitsett and Sen. Sylvia Santana, both of Detroit, refused to appear for the vote, giving Democrats control of their House seats. prevented from reaching. quorum required. So while Democrats in both chambers dreamed big this Congress, they actually achieved small, passing results. only part of the bill They wanted it sent to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk.
Drive SAFE was not among them.
Some of the failed policies could be reintroduced in the next Congress, but as lawmakers prepare for elections in 2026, they could cross the aisle and hand their own politicians a win. There will be very few MPs.
Michigan senators plan to reconvene Monday to formally adjourn the session there. Republicans will regain control of the state Legislature in January.
Meanwhile, activists thought they might actually secure victory while the Democratic Party was in power for the first time with a complete “trifecta.” 40 years People remain disappointed, especially now that illegal immigrants are unlikely to be able to obtain driver's licenses for some time.
“We are devastated,” said Yvonne Navarrete, policy director for We the People Michigan. M live. “There were years of efforts by undocumented organizers and our nonprofit coalition, but a lack of leadership and lack of organization within the Democratic Party meant that effort was foiled at the last moment. That’s a shame.”
Mr. Navarrete's tirade against Democrats continued:
“The Democratic leadership and the Democratic Party have made it very difficult for people to organize in our communities, especially before and after elections, to give them something to energize,” she said.
“It’s no wonder that communities across the state feel betrayed by Democrats right now.”
Michigan did not always require proof of citizenship or legal residence to obtain a driver's license. In fact, illegal immigration was technically available in 2007; things have changed In 2008, due to national security concerns in the aftermath of 9/11.
“Michigan's illegal aliens have been unable to obtain driver's licenses and face uncertainty ever since,” state Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) wrote in an op-ed published in the paper. said. detroit free press December 10th.
Now, in 2024, the issue at hand is to give undocumented immigrants the “dignity of a driver's license,” as Mr. Wegera argued, or “the ability to drive to work, take the kids to school, buy groceries.” It's not just about giving them the convenience of being able to “go shopping and get other things done.” They can obtain the necessities of life without fear of deportation or imprisonment,” MLive suggested.
Driving without a license is a misdemeanor in Michigan, and undocumented immigrants caught driving without a license “are considered breaking the law and can be deported,” Navarrete said.
So while a driver's license would give illegal aliens an additional layer of protection against possible deportation, President-elect Donald Trump has already announced that he will be in charge of mass deportation upon his inauguration on January 20th. He says he intends to make it his top priority.
Additionally, applicants for a Michigan driver's license are automatically registered to vote in most cases. Therefore, an illegal alien's driver's license could open the door to voter fraud.
Finally, just a few weeks ago, an illegal alien driving in Michigan allegedly killed beloved pastor Stephen Singleton. Singleton was killed on Nov. 3 when he was struck by a car while crossing the road in Rochester. Singleton was in a designated crosswalk area and wearing a reflective vest when he was struck.
“Almost every bone in his body was broken,” his shocked widow Terry Singleton said at the time. “He had a broken collarbone, internal injuries and a cracked skull.”
An illegal immigrant believed to have been involved in the incident has been identified but has not been charged.
State Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), who will take over as chairman next month, cited Singleton's untimely death as one of the main reasons he opposes the Drive Safe bill.
“Giving driver's licenses to illegal aliens not only encourages criminal trespassing, but also endangers the public safety of Michigan families,” Hall said. tweeted November 21st.
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