LANSING – In a move to protect thousands of Michigan jobs, State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today supported a plan that will help protect Michigan workers and businesses by banning illegal immigrants from obtaining a driver's license. The House passed the plan, which will save the state millions by preventing illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits through the use of a driver's license, on Thursday.
"My top priority as a State Representative is to take immediate, effective steps to create and protect jobs for Michigan's citizens," Ebli said. "Michigan faces difficult economic times, and I am committed to safeguarding jobs held by our citizens. House members from both sides of the aisle supported this plan, and I applaud their quick work. We must do everything we can to shore up Michigan's economy."
Ebli is a member of the House Transportation Committee, which earlier on Thursday approved the plan, sending it to the House floor for a full vote.
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, and local parish priests — are able to qualify for a driver's license.
"This plan makes it clear to companies looking to invest in Michigan that we are an ideal place to set up shop," Ebli said. "Denying legal residents a driver's license is wrong. Actions by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General threatened to discourage businesses from investing in our state. This House plan provides a fix to that."
The legislation, which is supported by the state's business, hospital and higher education communities and is the first legislation that will deny illegal immigrants a driver's license, will:
- Deny illegal immigrants licenses without increasing fees for Michigan residents.
- Require that licenses include physical security features that prevent tampering, counterfeiting or duplication of the license for fraudulent purposes.