Jersey Journal (New Jersey)
By Patrick McGovern
May 28, 2015
The
Jersey City City Council last night voted overwhelmingly in support of a
resolution urging the state legislators to enact a bill allowing the
Motor Vehicle Commission to issue driver's
licenses to undocumented immigrants.
The council voted 8-0 in favor of the resolution, which was introduced by City Council President Rolando Lavarro.
"This opens the doors for people to come out of the shadows," said Lavarro before casting his vote.
The
resolution expresses support for bills S2925 and A4425, introduced
respectively by state Sen. Joseph Vitale and Assemblywoman Annette
Quijano, to extend access to driver's licenses to
all New Jersey residents, including immigrants regardless of
immigration status.
Under
the bill, the state would be required to issue "driving privilege"
cards to residents who show they live in New Jersey, even if they can't
prove they are in the country legally.
A large group of supporters attended the City Council meeting to express their support of the resolution.
"Jersey
City has the largest immigrant population in the state," said Johanna
Calle, program coordinator at New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.
"A lot of people are living in the shadows.
Once they get a license, they have less fear of being separated from
their family."
"Jersey
City is a city of immigrants," said Michael McLean, a teacher at Don
Bosco Prep in Ramsey, who was at City Hall in support of undocumented
immigrants. "We should be a leader of mid-size
cities that support vulnerable populations – immigrants and the
homeless.
"This would allow undocumented people to contribute to our community and economy more freely," he added.
For more information, go to: www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com
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