Raimondo Signs New Law Giving Some Immigrants Drivers Licenses

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo on Monday signed a new law to allow some undocumented immigrants to qualify for Rhode Island drivers' licenses, her office said. The two bills, H 7982 Sub B and S 2678 Sub A, which are now Rhode Island state law, continue an Obama-era federal policy. The policy gave immigrants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program a work permit good for two years. However, the Trump administration has announced plans to phase out DACA. Currently, existing permits can be renewed, but no new applications are being accepted.

The new state law means undocumented Rhode Island immigrants "with current or past DACA status will now be able to apply for and receive drivers licenses in Rhode Island regardless of what happens to the program at the federal level," her office said.

The legislation was sponsored by two Democrats, Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Central Falls) and Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey (D-Warwick).

"DACA youth have called Rhode Island home since they were children - some since they were infants - and have no significant connection to the land of their birth," said Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls), who co-chairs the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus. "They have become a vital part of Rhode Island's educational community, business community and culture. They are a key part of Rhode Island's future, and I thank Speaker Nicholas Mattiello for his support and involvement in this issue."

"DACA recipients have made meaningful contributions to the state's economy, forming businesses and participating in education," said Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick). "This legislation will guarantee that state law regarding drivers licenses and work authorization will continue to apply to them, no matter how federal deliberations on the issue play out."

Raimondo's office said she "will continue to call on Congress to take action" to create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.