LANSING, Mich. May 9, 2023 — State Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) and the Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus applaud the introduction of House Bills 4410, 4411, and 4412 and Senate Bills 265, 266, and 267, which will allow all individuals, regardless of immigration status, to obtain driver’s licenses. Currently, only individuals who pass the driver’s test and prove legal citizenship status are allowed to receive a driver’s license in Michigan, leaving immigrants without legal documentation unable to navigate the roads safely and legally.
“Michigan residents need the freedom to travel, whether it’s to their jobs, their children’s schools or grocery stores,” Paiz said. “By enabling everyone to obtain a driver’s license, people can take care of essential needs. We can make this a reality!”
“As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, a first-generation American, and the chair of the Latino Caucus, I am a proud supporter and advocate of this much-needed legislation,” said Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford). “Until 2008, proof of citizenship was not an additional barrier in accessing a driver’s license in Michigan. This legislation removes that barrier and restores accessibility for every Michigander to the necessities of life from work, health care and education, while also promoting road safety and strengthening community trust. This will put the state in line with the other 19 states that put safety and their residents first. I look forward to finally pushing this across the finish line for every Michigander.”
The Michigan Latino Caucus urges swift passage of this important legislation.