LANSING – In a move that will make border crossing easier for Upper Peninsula residents who work in Canada, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today supported a plan that will create an "enhanced" driver's license option, which can also function as a passport. The legislation that was passed by the House also will help protect Michigan workers and businesses by banning illegal immigrants from obtaining a driver's license.
"In the years since 9/11, we have taken decisive action to secure our borders to keep our families safe," McDowell said. "While I strongly support these efforts, they have created an additional burden for the many residents of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area who travel back and forth to Canada regularly to work, shop or visit friends and family. This legislation will make that commute easier, protect our residents' jobs and make our state even safer from terrorist threats."
The House plan also encourages domestic and international business leaders to invest in Michigan by putting in safeguards to ensure that those who are in the country legally — everyone from investors to doctors, educators to nurses — are able to qualify for a driver's license.
"In these difficult economic times, we must do everything we can to safeguard the jobs held by our citizens," McDowell said. "By ensuring that only legal citizens receive a Michigan's driver's license, we are protecting Michigan workers from those who exploit the system. I applaud my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for passing this bipartisan legislation that will help get our economy back on track."
The legislation, which is supported by the state's business, hospital and higher education communities, will:
Deny illegal immigrants licenses without increasing fees for Michigan residents.
Require that licenses include physical security features that prevent tampering, countering or duplication of the license for fraudulent purposes.
Make Michigan safer from terrorist threats.