Protest To Push Spilka On Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The clock is running out on a bill that would grant driver licenses to undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, and local demonstrators are bringing the fight to state Sen. President Karen Spilka's home turf.

On Thursday, a car caravan will travel through Framingham to bring awareness to the issue. The protesters want Spilka, D-Ashland, to bring the bill up for a vote before July 31, the final day of the formal legislative session.

The bill would allow undocumented people to get a Massachusetts drivers license, giving them the freedom to drive to work and school — and now drive-thru coronavirus testing. The licenses would also ensure that immigrants are taking road tests and that they have car insurance, advocates say.

Right now, Massachusetts has a two-tier drivers license system. One tier of licenses complies with the federal REAL ID act, the second tier does not. The licenses for undocumented immigrants would fall in the second tier. Fifteen states, including Connecticut and Vermont, grant licenses regardless of immigration status.

The Framingham City Council in March voted to support the proposed law, although three members abstained from the vote.

Thursday's car caravan protest will begin at Dennison Playground at 4 p.m. and will end at the Framingham Public Library. Find out more about the event on the Facebook event page.