Immigrants in New Jersey without formal legal status will be allowed to get state driver's licenses after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday.
WOODLAND PARK, N.J. – Immigrants in New Jersey without formal legal status will be allowed to get state driver's licenses after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill to do that Thursday, capping years of pressure from activists and supporters.
“Today, is a simple recognition that our immigrant communities, each of you are a vital part of our state and our economy," Murphy said. "My life will change drastically,'' said Jimenez, who said she will require driving lessons since she never drove in Mexico, where she was born."I will be able to go to work easier, go shopping and go to the doctor and I'll be able to take my children on trips outside of Passaic, to mountains and museums."In New Jersey, state lawmakers introduced the latest version of the bill late last year.
Story continuesProponents argue that extending driving privileges to immigrants without lawful status would increase public safety and bolster the state's economy, because those who would receive the licenses would buy car insurance, vehicles, gasoline and auto parts. New Jersey became the 15th state along with Washington, D.C., to make driver's licenses available. On Saturday, New York's Green Light Law took effect allowing those without legal immigration status to apply for driver's licenses in that state.
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