Driver’s License for Undocumented Immigrants

May 29, 2013

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) ranking member of the Transportation Committee released the following statement today re: her no vote on House Bill 6495, An Act concerning the Issuance of Motor Vehicle Operators Licenses.

“Connecticut is a small state and our people work across state lines every day. They travel extensively around the country and around the globe. If there was ever an issue that should be legislated at the federal level, this is it. A driver’s license is the universal form of identification for all activities.

“That is why it is so sought after and forged illegally in order to perpetrate criminal and terrorist activities. It is also the reason why we should be extremely cautious in how driver’s licenses are provided, and should not be done in a way which skirts federal law and careful oversight. That is the reason why this legislation should be delayed until a thorough study can be conducted and the federal government can provide an actual legal path through the Dream Act.

“The Dream Act is a process for full citizenship that would grant our undocumented residents with the full rights and privileges which they work so hard to attain. After all, I am an immigrant, just like them. But I had to follow the law, and my family and I had to wait our turn.

“Let’s stop turning our backs on the rule of law that weaken our democracy. We need to support our immigrants population by showing the WHOLE country is behind them by strengthening our federal laws.”

To link to her entire remarks on the Senate floor please visit www.senatorboucher.com