Letter: Licenses for immigrants are a matter of public safety

In February, the MA House passed the Work & Family Mobility Act, which would allow any qualified driver—regardless of immigration status—to obtain a driver’s license, by an overwhelming, veto-proof margin of 120 to 36.

This is a matter of public safety, but don’t take my word for it. Attorney General Maura Healey, Worcester police chief Steven Sargent, and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early support this bill, as do the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association, dozens of individual police chiefs, and the majority of sheriffs and District Attorneys in the Commonwealth. They know everyone is safer when there are fewer untrained and uninsured drivers on the road, and when officers can identify who they’re interacting with during a traffic stop.

Sixteen states have already taken similar measures. They realize that immigrants without status face the same everyday realities of needing to get to work, school, or the doctor, which often require a car, especially where public transit is non-existent or unreliable. 

In addition to making the roads safer for all, this would lower insurance rates, bring in more state revenue, and strengthen our economy. The support of law enforcement is joined by labor, the medical community, and faith and community leaders. 

Representatives Dan Donahue, David LeBoeuf, Mary Keefe, and Jim O’Day should be commended for voting for the Work & Family Mobility Act earlier this year. It now moves to the Senate, where I hope Senator Michael Moore will join them in making our roads and Commonwealth safer for everyone.

Dan Cusher