LANSING — Sens. Stephanie Chang (D–Detroit) and Winnie Brinks (D–Grand Rapids), along with Reps. Alex Garza (D–Taylor) and Rachel Hood (D–Grand Rapids) and a broad-based coalition of organizations, today announced a bill package to allow all Michigan residents the opportunity to obtain state identification cards or driver’s licenses.
The Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and the Economy) bills apply to Michigan residents who meet the definition of a having a residence in Michigan, including those who may not be able to prove their lawful presence. These beneficiaries include the elderly — particularly those of rural origins whose births may not have been properly recorded or whose records were lost, U.S. citizens born abroad to American families, foreign adoptees and those who are undocumented.
“I am proud that such a broad-based coalition has come together to support driver’s licenses for those who cannot prove their legal residence. It is time to update Michigan’s laws to enhance safety on the road, grow our agricultural economy, and protect human dignity,” Sen. Chang said. “Our undocumented neighbors are just trying to support their families and contribute to our communities — having access to licenses will allow them to take care of their family, get to work, visit a loved one in the hospital, and go to church. Also, ensuring that Michigan drivers have taken drivers training and tests, and gotten car insurance, will greatly increase safety on the road.”
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