RIGHT SPEAK: Massachusetts Governor Vetoes Bill that Would Give Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Immigrants; Gov. Baker Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Immigrants to Get Driver's Licenses

Massachusetts Governor Vetoes Bill that Would Give Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Immigrants:

Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker on Friday vetoed a bill that would make illegal immigrants eligible to receive state-issued driver’s licenses, though state lawmakers are poised to override the veto.

“I cannot sign this legislation because it requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity,” Baker wrote in a letter to the state legislature.

The Republican governor added that the RMV “does not have the expertise or ability to verify the validity of many types of documents from other countries,” as the measure would require.

He also expressed concern that the bill “significantly increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote” given that there would not be any way to tell the difference between a standard driver’s license and one assigned to an illegal immigrant. Part of the bill would restrict the RMV from sharing citizenship information with parties who register people to vote. --->READ MORE HERE

Gov. Baker vetoes bill allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses:

Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed a bill Friday that would have given driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate overrides his veto.

"I cannot sign this legislation because it requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity. The Registry does not have the expertise or ability to verify the validity of many types of documents from other countries," Baker wrote in a letter. "Consequently, a standard Massachusetts driver's license will no longer confirm that a person is who they say they are."

The state House initially passed the bill, 120-36 and the Senate voted in favor, 32-8.

"The House will override this veto. In addition to increasing safety on our roads for all drivers, this legislation recognizes the essential role our immigrant neighbors play in our society and economy by ensuring that everyone has access to a driver's license," House Speaker Ron Mariano said in a statement.