Minnesota lawmakers approved a measure that would allow illegal immigrants in the state to obtain a driver’s license.
The bill, which passed the Democratic-controlled state House by 74-52 largely along party lines, represents a massive political victory for state Democrats who have been pushing for expanding basic rights for illegal immigrants.
“Immigrants, whether they are documented or undocumented, are Minnesotans. They are part of the fabric of our communities,” said Democratic House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “It is time that we helped take away this shadow of not having a driver’s license.”
Democrats in the state have long argued that giving illegal immigrants access to driver’s licenses gives them the ability to contribute more to society, such as by enrolling in school and having access to work. Illegal immigrants in the state could obtain a license before 2003.
“It’s common sense,” said Democratic Rep. Samantha Vang. “This will allow people to simply open a bank account, to drive safely on the road to their jobs, to their school.”
State Republicans, however, have a grimmer view of the bill’s passage, with GOP lawmakers saying that the bill unfairly puts illegal immigrants in the same position as legal residents.
GOP state Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen said the bill would “undermine our current values.”
“Minnesota shouldn’t be in the business of incentivizing illegal behavior, and by allowing illegal and undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses, that’s exactly what our state would be doing,” he said.
The bill is not expected to clear the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate. Newly elected Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who previously served as a representative in the U.S. House, has not indicated whether he would sign the bill.
