State Senate: Pass Driver's License for All

Urge your Senator to support Driver’s License for All!

The MN House of Representatives passed a bill that would guarantee drivers license for all, including undocumented immigrants. Ask your Senator to vote for the bill’s passage as well!

The bishops of Minnesota have advocated for several years on behalf of our undocumented immigrants to help them become eligible for “noncompliant” drivers’ licenses. They are now asking that YOU stand up for our brothers and sisters.

Undocumented immigrants in our state lack access to Minnesota driver's licenses. Many of our immigrant brothers and sisters are then forced to risk legal action and separation from their families every time they need to drive somewhere to meet their needs and the needs of their families.

There is also a greater risk to all drivers on the road when unlicensed drivers are behind the wheel. Allowing undocumented persons to obtain provisional drivers' licenses promotes public safety by having more licensed drivers on the road, who, studies have shown, are less likely to be involved in fatal accidents and are also more likely to be insured. Since the bill promotes public safety, it is supported by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

Despite a broken federal immigration system, small changes on the state level enable people to live with dignity rather than in fear of family separation. Immigrants are here to stay and will continue to drive to meet their needs. We can choose to ensure that they know the rules of the road by requiring the passing of a driving test, or we can continue to force them to live in fear in the shadows.

Helpful resources:

Church Teaching

"The Church supports the human rights of all people and offers them pastoral care, education, and social services, no matter what the circumstances of entry into this country, and it works for the respect of the human dignity of all especially those who find themselves in desperate circumstances." - Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops

"All people have a right to life and to secure the basic necessities of life (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, safe environment, economic security)." - A Catholic Framework for Economic Life, A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops

Act Now:

Encourage your state senator to pass driver's license for all!

If you have...

One Minute: Send a message to your State Senator urging them to pass legislation and guarantee Driver's License for All!

Three Minutes: After sending your elected officials a quick email, take another minute to call their office or send a video message. A suggested script and talking points will show up on your device. Legislators do not often get calls from their constituents, so a follow-up call or video will greatly increase your impact and further build your relationship.

More Time: Read the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Pastoral Letter, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.