Around New England

Illegal Immigrants Eligible Massachusetts Driver’s Licenses Next Week

June 27, 2023

Illegal immigrants will be eligible to obtain driver’s licenses in Massachusetts next week.

Starting Saturday, July 1, 2023, the Work and Family Mobility Act, which became law last year, will make this change in license eligibility. Then-Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the proposal, but the veto was overridden by the Democratic supermajority in the Massachusetts legislature.

Opponents of the law held a veto referendum hoping to repeal it last November. However, the law was upheld by the voters, 54 percent to 46 percent.

Unlike Baker, current Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey supports this new law.

“The Work and Family Mobility Act is a benefit for public safety, for our economy, and for our immigrant residents who should be able to drive to work, school, or the grocery store without fear. We are grateful to the advocates, legislators and public safety leaders who have worked so hard to get us to this point,” Governor Maura Healey said in a press release. “We are excited to begin implementing this new law, and the RMV has been working diligently to ensure a smooth process for all eligible applicants.”

“RMV” stands for Registry of Motor Vehicles, a state agency critics of the law say is not up to distinguishing between U.S. citizens eligible to register to vote when they get a driver’s license and non-citizens who aren’t.

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