|
Few American states like Arizona and Nebraska, do not want to grant driver's licenses to the undocumented immigrants who receive deferred action. Similarly, undocumented immigrants in Michigan who receive deferred action will not receive driver's licenses and that is because Ruth Johnson, Michigan's Secretary of State, has stated that the recipients of deferred action in Michigan will not be granted driver's licenses. For many undocumented immigrants in the United States, deferred action policy, implemented by the president is a boon as this program will postpone the deportation of eligible undocumented immigrants who are below age 31 and above 16. Such eligible undocumented immigrants who receive deferred action will become eligible to live and work in America, for two long years. According to the executive orders signed by the Governors of Nebraska and Arizona, deferred action recipients in these two states will not become eligible for driver's licenses and other benefits. Now Ruth Johnson, has also stated that the DACA beneficiaries in Michigan will not be granted driver's licenses. However, activists and political leaders have sent letters to Governor Rick Snyder, requesting him to revoke the decision of the Secretary of State, as the undocumented immigrants in Michigan are not happy about Johnson's decision. There are more than 1.7 million immigrants in America and around 23,000 immigrants in Michigan, who are eligible for deferred action. However, Johnson's office states that, only the immigrants who are granted lawful status in America are eligible for state benefits and to receive driver's licenses. Secretary of State, also states that DACA does not grant lawful status to the undocumented immigrants and so the beneficiaries are not eligible for state IDs and driver's licenses. Deferred action grants a temporary relief and it will not permit the recipients to obtain Green Cards or US citizenship, though deferred action is renewable. Undocumented immigrants in Michigan were earlier able to obtain driver's licenses as the drivers were not required to prove that they are lawful residents of the country. They just had to demonstrate that they lived in Michigan, to get driver's licenses but this changed after the Republicans toughened the eligibility requirements. Immigrant advocates are against Johnson's decision and they say that the deferred action recipients are not granted legal status but they may remain in the country lawfully and so they are also eligible to drive lawfully in the country. Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive, in his letter, stated that the decision of Johnson must be changed. Attorney Susan Reed, said that she and few other supporters are planning to work with the office of Ruth Johnson, in order to change her decision. Similarly, Robert Alvarez, an attorney from Wyoming who deals with issues related to immigration, said that Michigan must not follow Arizona and Nebraska. Undocumented immigrants in Michigan say that purpose of deferred action will not be satisfied, if they are not allowed to drive lawfully.
Related Articles -
USCIS, US Citizenship Application,
|
