Starting July 1, undocumented immigrants living in Massachusetts will be eligible to apply for driver’s licenses. This new policy, called the Work and Family Mobility Act, aims to provide relief for undocumented immigrants who have been driving without legal licenses. Raul Averdano, a 74-year-old undocumented Colombian immigrant, expressed his relief at being able to do things legally with a driver’s license. Averdano, who helps people get to the market and food pantry, mentioned that not having a license is a critical issue. He is now seeking assistance at La Collaborativa in Chelsea to book an online appointment with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to apply for his license.
Mauricio Lopera, a 30-year-old Colombian immigrant and construction worker, also emphasized the importance of obtaining a driver’s license. Lopera explained that it is essential for him to be able to commute between construction sites, which is his livelihood. Additionally, having a driver’s license would reduce the risk of being caught driving illegally and potentially facing deportation.
The RMV is preparing for an influx of undocumented immigrants seeking driver’s licenses. They expect an additional 1,000 customers per day at their locations in the first six months after the policy takes effect. To accommodate the increased demand, the RMV has extended its hours and hired more staff. They are also providing driver manuals in 15 languages and have interpreters available. Applicants will need to provide proof of identification, birth, and Massachusetts residency.
Advocates who have long pushed for this law believe that it will enhance safety on the roads. Chrystel Murrieta Ruiz, a co-chair with Driving Families Forward, stated that the number of hit-and-run accidents has decreased in states where similar policies have been implemented. Having a driver’s license gives undocumented immigrants a sense of safety and encourages responsible driving.
For Mauricio Lopera and other immigrants, this new law brings opportunities that were previously out of reach. Lopera mentioned that immigrants rely on their feet in the absence of a driver’s license, limiting their access to jobs and opportunities. In Massachusetts, where jobs and opportunities are abundant, having a license will greatly benefit immigrant communities.
Appointments to apply for a driver’s license will begin on July 3. However, some locations in the state are already fully booked through late July, indicating the high demand for this new service. The Work and Family Mobility Act is poised to have a significant impact on the lives of undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, allowing them to legally drive and access opportunities that were previously unavailable to them.
Beth Germano, an Emmy award-winning reporter for WBZ-TV News, contributed to this article. With over 15 years of reporting experience, Germano has been covering stories in New England and joined WBZ-TV as a freelance reporter in 1996.