Assembly committee advances bill that allows driver’s licenses for immigrants in country illegally

A bill that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain driver's licenses passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee Monday.
The bill would create two different types of driver’s licenses: one that requires proof of citizenship and one that does not.

Advocates say the bill will increase public safety and decrease insurance premiums.

Chairwoman Elaine Quijano says the bill will change thousands of lives in the Garden State, a state with urban, suburban and rural communities that require residents to drive a car to get from point A to point B.
Erika Nava, of NJ Policy Perspective, agreed with this as she testified before the committee.
Nava said, "When it comes to allowing all New Jerseyans, regardless of status, to drive legally, the facts from our data are clear: this common-sense policy will pay for itself, generate revenue, make the roads safer, stabilize insurance premiums, and increase the well-being of many families."
However, some advocates also say the bill is complicated and that securing driver's licenses for all won’t be easy.

Republicans object to the bill, saying driving is a privilege not a right.

The bill still passed committee 4-2 and will head to the full Assembly.
Gov. Murphy said he will sign the bill if it passes the Assembly and Senate.
The bill would not have any impact on citizenship or voting.