"Mass. lawmakers override Baker veto, allow driver’s licenses for residents without legal immigration status"

"After decades of activism, false starts, and failed efforts, advocates celebrated Thursday as a bill that allows driver’s licenses for residents without legal immigration status finally became law.

Massachusetts legislators voted to override a veto from Governor Charlie Baker and made official a law backed by law enforcement groups, immigrant rights advocates, and insurance companies. It will take effect next summer."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/09/metro/mass-lawmakers-override-baker-veto-allow-drivers-licenses-undocumented-residents/

"THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE completed its override of Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto on Thursday, allowing immigrants without legal status to obtain a driver’s license in Massachusetts. The state is the 17th, in addition to Washington, DC, to adopt that policy.  

The House overrode Baker’s veto with a 119-36 vote on Wednesday. The Senate followed suit Thursday with a 32-8 vote, both bodies surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed to override a gubernatorial veto. "

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/immigration/undocumented-immigrants-can-get-mass-drivers-licenses-in-july-2023/

Immigrants rally in front of the Massachusetts State House in favor of the Work and Family Mobility Act. (Photo by Rose Lincoln)