Driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts? Not so fast, says Republican Governor Charilie Baker

The Republican governor of Massachusetts has vetoed a bill passed by the state legislature that would give illegal immigrants the right to have a driver’s license.

According to Charlie Baker, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) “does not have the expertise or ability to verify the validity of many types of documents from other countries. In a letter to the legislature Friday, Baker said it is not right to give this document to people whose identities cannot be easily verified.

“I cannot sign this bill because it requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue state driver’s licenses to people who cannot verify their identity,” Baker wrote in his letter.

The House of Representatives plans to override the veto at its next session on June 8, according to Boston Globe reporter Samantha Gross, quoted by the local newspaper National Review. The Senate also plans to do the same, according to a spokesperson for the Massachusetts’ grand body, the newspaper reveals.

The Massachusetts governor voiced his opposition less than 24 hours after receiving the document from the Senate on May 26.

The bill was passed by the lower house with an overwhelming majority of 117 in favor and 36 against, while the Senate passed it with 32 votes for and 8 against. A number sufficient to cancel any possibility for the government to impose its veto, which should only be a symbolic act.

If the document is finally passed, undocumented immigrants living in the state of Massachusetts will be able to get their driver’s license starting July 1, 2023. However, applicants must “provide proof of identity, date of birth and residency in Massachusetts.”

Of the nearly 7 million people living in the state of Massachusetts, approximately 16% of them are immigrants. Haitians represent the 5th largest immigrant group in the state with 5% of the total population after Brazil 5.7%, India 5.9%. The Dominican Republic comes in second with 7.6% against 7.8% for the Chinese in first position.
Of the nearly one million immigrants, 22% are in an irregular situation.

Massachusetts is known as a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants. Unlike many other states in the Union, Massachusetts migrants face very little persecution from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. They also receive other types of support from local governments.