Driver’s license revolution: Massachusetts paves the way for undocumented immigrants!

All immigrants to the state of Massachusetts can now obtain a driver’s license. The law passed by the local legislature over a year ago goes into effect this Monday, July 3.

Applicants are no longer required to provide proof of their immigration status. Massachusetts joins 18 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

Previously, immigrants residing in Massachusetts had to provide at least one document issued by U.S. Immigration Services to be eligible for a driver’s license, which expired on the same date as the USCIS document.

This victory for Massachusetts immigrants is the result of a long struggle by community leaders and immigrant rights organizations.

Early on Monday morning, July 3, 2023, Pastor Dieufort Fleurissaint, renowned for his commitment to the undocumented, was spotted outside the Department of Traffic (DMV) office expressing his satisfaction.

“Today is the implementation day of the Family Mobility Act passed by the state of Massachusetts, allowing undocumented immigrants access to the standard driver’s license for five years. I’m here to celebrate this moment,” said the community leader in a live broadcast on his Facebook page.

The law, commonly known as the Family Mobility Act, was passed in June 2022 by the Massachusetts Congress. The Republican governor at the time, Charlie Becker, exercised his veto power, which was overridden by the Democrats.

The Republicans didn’t stop there. They managed to obtain the necessary number of signatures to force a referendum on the law, but without success.

Alongside Massachusetts, the following states – California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia – issue a driver’s license if the applicant provides certain documents such as a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport or consular card, as well as proof of current residence in the state.

Emmanuel Paul

Emmanuel Paul is an experienced journalist and accomplished storyteller with a longstanding commitment to truth, community, and impact. He is the founder of Caribbean Television Network (CTN), a mission-driven media platform dedicated to delivering high-quality, in-depth journalism focused on Haitian and Caribbean immigrant communities in the United States and around the world. Before relocating to the United States, Emmanuel built a distinguished career in Haiti, where he worked for several prominent media outlets and became known for his insightful reporting and unwavering dedication to public service journalism. Emmanuel holds a diverse academic background with studies in Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, and Accounting, equipping him with a multidimensional perspective that informs his journalistic approach and deepens his understanding of the social and economic forces affecting diaspora communities. Beyond his work in media, Emmanuel is the founder of FighterMindset, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer survivors. As a survivor himself, Emmanuel channels his personal journey into advocacy and empowerment, offering resources and hope to others facing similar battles. His career is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of storytelling.

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