LULAC Applauds California Governor Jerry Brown for his Leadership in Allowing Undocumented Immigrants the Right to have a Driver’s License
September 13, 2013
Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta at lulac.org, (202) 812-4477
Washington, D.C. – Today, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) applauded California Governor Jerry Brown for agreeing to sign into law the bill that would grant undocumented people the right to obtain a driver’s license. Along with California, nine other states as well as the District of Columbia have passed measures that allow undocumented immigrants the right to have a driver’s license.
“We hope that passing this bill is another reminder to Congress that we need just and fair comprehensive immigration reform,” said LULAC President Margaret Moran. “By passing this bill, undocumented people will be afforded the right to drive legally – a right we take for granted. Although comprehensive immigration reform is within our reach, we cannot ignore the fact that 11 million undocumented people currently live in this country. The undocumented community has many faces, but mostly it consists of families who have kids in school and jobs to get to and students who are juggling school and work. Having a driver’s license is critical to enabling these individuals to carry on with their daily tasks, which ultimately contribute to our country’s economic prosperity.”
In California, the driver’s license will serve to only allow undocumented people with the right to drive. It will not authorize an individual with the right to vote or secure employment. In fact the driver’s license will specify its limited use.
About LULAC:
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org
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