Support Drive SAFE bill – Help Michigan residents & Economy

May 2023

Since 2008 non-immigrant visa holders have been finding it difficult to renew their driver’s license. For non-immigrants, the validity of Driver's License in Michigan is issued based on the expiry of US immigration visa’s validity. As a result, non-immigrants have to renew their driver's license every year. On many occasions, due to delays in visa renewals, there is a wait time of 1 to 3 months as  USCIS has to process the pending application. In addition to an increase in the number of applications, over the years, COVID-19 related delays and staffing constraints at USCIS has severely exacerbated the situation. Non-Immigrants like doctors, engineers, IT professionals, nurses and students pending US visa petitions have lost their driver's license and were unable to drive to work and simply carry on their daily lives. Driving without a license is clearly not an option for these residents as it means breaking the law. 

Based on appeals from the community, state legislators are now working on bi-partisan bills (House and Senate) to provide relief to Michigan’s hard-working residents.

It is imperative that there is broad support from State Representatives and State Senators. These bills need to pass.  We ask our community members to contact elected officials and impress upon them to support these bills. 

 

Legislative Progress:  A Bi-partisan House: HB 4410-4412(2023) and Senate Bill SB 265-267 was recently introduced in the house and Senate. 

 

» Simply restore the ability for Michigan residents to get driver’s license and State identifications without having to prove legal presence which was not a requirement prior to 2008.

» Benefitting a diverse group of immigrants, like H1B, F1, and J1 visa holders along with foreign born adoptees and people with certain disabilities.

» Boosting Michigan’s economy while giving immigrants more opportunities to work for businesses and higher-paying employment jobs.

» Increasing the engagement of immigrants in our communities.

The bills would simply restore the ability for Michigan residents to get driver's licenses and state identifications without having to prove legal presence, which was not a requirement prior to 2008. This would give more Michiganders the ability to get to work, get to school, take their kids to the doctor and more without being in fear. The Drive SAFE bills would help boost our economy and improve safety on the road by ensuring that more people receive driver's training and get insurance before driving on the road. Nothing in the bills would give non-citizens the right to vote.

Find your representative:

https://www.house.mi.gov/ - Enter your address to find 

https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYourSenator/ - Enter your address to find

Feel free to share this article link  to your elected representative with an appeal to support.  Your action on this matter will make a big difference to thousands.  PLEASE ACT NOW.