Driver’s Licenses for All Passes MN House Judiciary Committee

A bill that would allow undocumented residents to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license is heading to the House Ways and Means Committee.  The Judiciary Committee passed it this morning (Thursday) on a voice vote after discussion about personal data collection.   Veena Iyer of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota says the data privacy provisions and amendments:

“Focus on placing strict restrictions on sharing data that could be used to identify an applicant’s  citizenship  or immigration status. The provisions ensure that the routine act of applying for a driver’s license does not open the door to deportation and family separation.”

Republican Representative Brian Johnson of Cambridge:

“I think we should have everything equal, but  now you’re giving special attention to those who aren’t here legally.”

Bill sponsor, Representative Aisha Gomez of Minneapolis, says the data provisions would apply to all class D driver’s license holders regardless of immigrant status.