The Rhode Island Legislature is sending a bill to the governor's desk that would grant driving privileges, but not licenses, to illegal immigrants. Senator Frank Ciccone one of the bill's sponsors, says its a matter of public safety.
“We need to ensure that all drivers, regardless of their immigration status, are trained, tested and insured when driving on our roads. This is a safety issue as well as an economic issue. If the worst were to happen and an accident occurs involving an undocumented person driving, our residents and businesses are protected far better if this legislation is enacted as opposed to the status quo,” said Senator Ciccone.
Representative Karen Alzate, the chair of the Black and Latino Caucus, says she is pleased that the bill passed and is on its way to the Governor's desk.
“The community of color has long advocated for the passage of this legislation that will keep our roads safer while also helping a portion of our population who struggle daily due to not being able to drive a car to work, or to pick up their kids, or to go about their daily business. This bill acknowledges that individuals with undocumented status are still human beings who deserve the same services and protections that documented residents enjoy and utilize,” said Representative Alzate.
Neither the permit nor card would be usable for federal or state identification or voting purposes.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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