The Jersey City Council unanimously approved a resolution that urges NJ lawmakers to enact legislation permitting undocumented residents to obtain driver’s license issued by Motor Vehicle Commission.
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Currently, New Jersey law prohibits individuals who cannot provide lawful presence in the United States from obtaining driver’s licenses.
The states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Vermont, Washington, Utah, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico are issuing driver’s licenses based on immigration status.
Issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants has proven to have a positive effect on public safety and the local economy by increasing mobility of the work force based on the statistics cited in the resolution.
“The opportunity for people to have access to driver’s license opens the doors to the quality of life of an American citizen,” said Council President Rolando Lavarro
Johanna Calle, program coordinator of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, stood before Jersey City Council to speak on behalf of the importance of supporting the resolution.
She also had the support of Anakbayan NJ, The Filipino Immigrants and Workers Organizing Project (FIWOP), and The Sharing Place – who stood beside her during her address.
“Jersey City is the largest immigrant city in the state†Calle told Hudson County View. “This is a huge deal and we are hoping to see more of these resolutions passed across the state.
Jersey City is now the 8th city to support the resolution to pass Senate Bill 2925 and Assembly Bill 4425.
