Simonsen, McClellan Blast Fast-tracking Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

TRENTON – Assemblymen-elect Erik Simonsen and Antwan McCllellan (both R-1st) slammed lawmakers Dec. 9 after an Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing on extending state driver’s licenses to immigrants without legal status and others who lack paperwork.
According to a release, “We are a country of laws, and once we start rewarding those who are actively breaking the law we head-down a slippery slope,” stated McClellan. “To give special rights to those who already ignored U.S. law is insulting to legal immigrants and citizens, the people of New Jersey, and the people we represent.”
A Senate committee plans to hold a hearing Dec. 12 and lawmakers anticipate to schedule a vote by the full legislature Dec. 16.
“If this bill passes, it will reduce the incentive to follow immigration laws and would lead to increased voter fraud, ID fraud, and bank fraud,” added Simonsen. “New Jersey needs to put its law-abiding citizens first.”
“Nearly 9,000 hours have passed since the bill was introduced and we will have spent less than one one-thousandth percent of that time discussing this matter,” continued McClellan. “This is pandering; plain and simple. And pandering is not governing.”
“The lack of real discussion is a travesty to transparency, and is not what the people of New Jersey elected us to do,” stated Simonsen. “We need more time to discuss this matter. We need to stop taking steps that ensure law-breakers are treated as law-abiding citizens.”
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The following is from New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice:

Let’s Drive NJ applauds the Assembly Judiciary Committee releasing A4743 with a 4-2 vote and urge the Senate Transportation Committee to clear bill S3229 

TRENTON – Assembly bill A4743 that would extend access to the standard driver’s license and create a REAL ID license, sponsored by Assembly Judiciary Chairwoman Annette Quijano, Assemblyman Mukerji, Assemblywoman Huttle, Assemblyman Shaer, Assemblyman Johnson, and Assemblyman Danielsen, cleared the Assembly Judiciary committee with a 4-2 vote Dec. 9. 

Advocates, impacted residents, and elected officials submitted testimony in support at today’s committee hearing. Overwhelmingly, 42 written testimony in favor of the bill were submitted to the committee in support with 2 written testimonies opposing. 
Farrin Anello, Senior Staff Attorney stated,

 “ACLU-NJ supports this bill based upon core principles of equality, privacy, and transparency. Our state should treat all New Jerseyans fairly, so everyone can live their lives, care for their children, and contribute to their communities.”

Gabriela Agudelo, the member with Wind of the Spirit stated,

Passing the driver’s license proposed legislation will directly benefit the well being of citizens like myself a child of an undocumented immigrant. Access to a driver’s license will prevent more humiliating situations like the ones my mom has been through at my school when she cannot provide a state ID. She never stepped foot into my school again. Passing this bill will prevent families from being separated. Passing this bill is a common-sense legislation. Let’s do what’s right. 

Tatiana Rodriguez, who testified before the committee and a member of Make the Road New Jersey and Elizabeth, NJ resident stated,

“Today the Assembly Judiciary Committee took a key step in expanding access to drivers licenses for all qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status. As an immigrant who came here as a twelve year old, but who cannot get a license since the Trump administration ended the DACA program, I am grateful for the committees vote. Having a license means being able to take my son to the doctor, and to his soccer games. I am so proud to be part of a movement fighting for justice for our families, and I am confident we will get this bill across the finish line. Thank you to Assemblywoman Annette Quijano for her extraordinary leadership.”

Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez, who testified before the committee and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County stated,

“Growing up my mom worked as a housekeeper, and every day she walked and took the bus to work for lack of access to a license, whether 30 degrees outside in the freezing winter or during a torrential thunderstorm. It eventually occurred to me that her 2-hour bus ride in South Jersey is only a 20-minute car ride. I realized my parents gave up their dignity, risked everything so that we could have a real future. I speak for my father and my mother, and I thank this committee for approving legislation A4743, so people like my parents can live with dignity, and raise their families without fear ”

Fourteen states and Washington D.C. have implemented similar policy measures with many states experiencing a decrease in the rates of uninsured motorists and along with it an increase in road safety. Studies show rates of uninsurance decreasing significantly in Utah, California, and New Mexico after the implementation of expanded access to driver’s licenses.