Mattiello: No Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants This Year in RI
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello said Monday that the Rhode Island House of Representatives will not take up licenses for undocumented immigrants this year.
“I’ve made a decision, which I’ve known for some time now. The House will not be passing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants this year,” said Mattiello in an interview with GoLocal on Monday.
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo had made a campaign promise to provide drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants (see below) when she ran in 2014 and despite proposals introduced in the General Assembly, Mattiello said it won’t happen for the second straight legislative session now.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I’ve been listening to people statewide, and looking at it through the national perspective,” said Mattiello. “I think people are looking at comprehensive solutions to problems, and I don't think Rhode Islanders would support [licenses] at this time.”
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On the House side, House Bill 7610 was introduced this year by Representatives Anastasia Williams, Aaron Regunberg, Shelby Maldanado, Scott Slater, and Edie Ajello to allow the DMV to issue driving licenses — and privileges to applicants “unable to establish lawful presence in US which are not valid for ID purposes.”
Senators Frank Ciccone, Juan Pichardo, Donna Nesselbush, Elizabeth Crowley, and Gayle Goldin introduced a companion measure on the Senate side (SB 2333); both bills were referred to committee and held for further study.
Advocacy groups such as the Economic Progress Institute and Jobs for Justice have been supportive of efforts to provide licenses to undocumented Rhode Islanders.
“No more second class status. All Rhode Islanders should come in from the shadows. It is time for all of RI’s workers to have equal access to our roads,” said Mike Araujo Executive Director for RI Jobs With Justice.
See: GoLocalTV: Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Draws Supporters to State House (March 10, 2016)
The measures also faced opposition from numerous groups in the state.
“Opposing drivers’ licenses for illegal aliens, a campaign promise made by Raimondo, will be a legislative priority,” said Pam Gencarella with taxpayer advocacy group OSTPA in January, when outlining the group’s priorities for 2016.
Mattiello said Monday that he had conversations this session with the Governor’s office about this issue, but not recently, however.
“I’d indicated that I’d give it some thought, but no, I haven’t spoken with [the Governor’s office] on the issue in a while,” said Mattiello. “When it comes to the Governor, I expect that she won't try to do it by executive order, I think it would be inappropriate and I believe condemned by the voters.”
Mattiello had expressed his concern for an executive order in the case of licenses dating back to last fall.
In addition, Mattiello cited federal law as playing a part in his decision.
“At the federal level, I believe the REAL ID act would make it illegal,” said Mattiello, who is a practicing attorney. “It requires having a social security number, which some states are currently getting around, but that will change once it starts being enforced."
Related Slideshow: What Will (and Won’t) Get Accomplished in RI General Assembly in 2016
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