Niraj Warikoo writes about a new Michigan policy that doesn't allow legal immigrants here temporarily from getting driver's licenses. The new policy could affect up to 400,000 legal immigrants in Michigan. Warikoo interviewed state officials and business leaders about the controversial new policy. Click here to read Warikoo's report.
License ban hits legal workers
Changes could affect 400,000 in state
February 5, 2008
BY NIRAJ WARIKOO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Immigrants and business leaders across Michigan are concerned that a new state policy prohibiting legal temporary workers and students from getting driver's licenses will hurt the state's economy and drive away investment.
Attorney General Michael Cox ruled Dec. 27 that illegal immigrants can't get driver's licenses. But a little-noticed part of his ruling also said that temporary legal immigrants, too, are prohibited from getting driver's licenses.
Two weeks ago, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced the changes as a result of Cox's ruling and ordered her branch offices to prevent legal immigrants who are not in Michigan permanently from applying for licenses.
The changes could affect up to 400,000 temporary workers and students in Michigan, say business leaders.
Many of them are highly skilled workers who are needed to keep the state's economy going, said Sarah Hubbard, with the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Almost 15,000 students at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University also would be affected, she said.
Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer testified about the policy change Thursday in Lansing, saying it will hurt Michigan.
Also Monday, the state Senate transportation committee tentatively approved legislation, based on a proposal by Land, that would change the policy. It has yet to be approved by the full Senate and state House.
State Rep. Steve Tobocman, D-Detroit, agrees the policy needs to be changed, but he and other legislators have some concerns about the bill Land supports. They said it would not cover all legal temporary immigrants.
Kelly Chesney, a spokeswoman for Land, said she hopes the legislation passes swiftly because the current policy "has the ability to affect so many different sectors of the economy."
Contact NIRAJ WARIKOO at 248-351-2998 or warikoo@freepress.com.
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