New law says undocumented immigrants in New Jersey can get driver's licenses

Show Caption Hide Caption Gov. Phil Murphy signs license bill Gov. Phil Murphy signs legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a state driver's license at the Snyder Academy in Elizabeth on 12/18/19.

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.

The bill signing came three days after the Assembly and Senate, both controlled by Democrats, passed the measure, which had been stalled despite months of demonstrations across the state. State officials have said they expect it will take at least a year before the actual licenses are issued.

Hundreds of immigrants, many who likely will benefit from the new law, cheered Murphy at Snyder Academy in Elizabeth, where nearly two years ago a coalition of organizations launched the Let’s Drive NJ campaign that aimed to get support for the controversial measure.

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“Today, is a simple recognition that our immigrant communities, each of you are a vital part of our state and our economy," Murphy said.

“We should acknowledge that many immigrant residents are already behind the wheel, and on our roads going to work and school or simply to the grocery store....you haven’t been asking for special treatment, you have been asking us to acknowledge your reality."

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Alberta Jimenez, of Passaic, said the new legislation will change her life in so many ways. Among them being that she won't have to spend hours waiting for buses to go to and from work, and walking to doctor's appointments.

"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."

She said she doesn't mind waiting another year to be able to apply for a license.

"We did all we could do, and what will it cost us to wait one more year?'' said Jimenez a member of Make the Road New Jersey, among one of the organizations that pushed for the bill and which has offices at Snyder Academy. "It's done, we just finished, it's signed."

In New Jersey, state lawmakers introduced the latest version of the bill late last year.

The bill would allow for two types of licenses: one compliant with the federal Real ID Act that would let users board domestic flights, and one strictly for driving that would be issued to immigrants without legal status, certain senior citizens and others who lack documentation.

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Those who oppose the bill have said the measure prioritizes immigrants without legal status above everyone else. Among the concerns raised is the potential for voter fraud, and that the licenses would draw more undocumented immigrants to the state.

Proponents 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.

Law enforcement officials at Thursday's event again made the argument that New Jersey would be safer for the new law.

“Police cannot be effective if we don’t have the help of the community,” Passaic City Police Chief Luis Guzman said. “This is certainly going to make New Jersey safe.”

New Jersey became the 15th state along with Washington, D.C., to make driver's licenses available.

Licenses will take time to roll out

The law takes effect on the first day of the 13th month after enactment, according to the text of the bill. William Connolly, a spokesman for the Motor Vehicle Commission, said this week that 12 months is needed to prepare for the rollout, which requires the agency to write new regulations and get them through the required Commission process as well as make all software changes; and train employees.

He also said the time allows the agency to get through the peak of distributing the REAL ID licenses since he said many customers are expected to get the federal compliant licenses close to and after the October 2020 deadline.

“During this time we will also be developing educational resources and working with community groups to train and prepare new applicants for what to expect at the agency, and what is required for driver tests” he said in an email. “Other states with similar laws indicate this was key to a smooth transition.”

Murphy said the 13 months is a "pretty aggressive" timeline.

“Particularly with the motor vehicle commission unfurling the Real ID process at the time, they feel this is a pretty aggressive timetable,'' he said. " Obviously if they could do it faster, they will do it faster, but six months from now they will begin the real big public relations campaign, promotional campaign, and about a year from January, 13 months from now this thing will be up and running.”

Immigrants applying for the licenses will have to prove identity, age, and New Jersey residence. The documents that they will need to present still are to be determined, but Connolly said they will be similar to those required today, such as passports and birth certificates. The exact list of documents will be proposed through the Motor Vehicle Commission regulations process as defined by statute, he said.

Making plans

Even though the issuing of licenses is months away, several people spoke of plans when they received their driver's license.

Laura, 18, and her friend, Karen, 17, both from Elizabeth who declined to give their last name, said when they get their licenses it will allow them more freedom to get themselves to work and school, and to help their family members out with errands.

"Having to walk in the snow is dangerous at times,'' Karen said.

Laura said she is applying to college at Rutgers University in Newark and hopes to be able to commute by car one day.

Some said they won’t personally benefit from the legislation but their family members and friends will.

Elsa Salazar of Hillside has been campaigning for the licenses with her labor union, Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, and said she’s elated that the bill has come to reality.

"This is a great achievement that will help our families, so they can have peace when they are doing errands on he street and shopping and taking their children to school,'' she said. "We must keep fighting for everyone to continue to have a better quality of life."

Rosendo Gonzalez, who lives in Trenton, said the signing of the bill was a wonderful way to close out the year.

"We couldn't ask for more,'' said Gonzalez, who came to the United States from Ecuador 23 years ago. "We can start the new year happier than ever."

Monsy Alvarado is the immigration reporter for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news about one of the hottest issues in our state and country, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: alvarado@northjersey.com Twitter: @monsyalvarado