The Bremen Town Council members heard a request from La Voz Unida to pass a resolution that would endorse legislation in Indiana that paves the way to the establishment of a process through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order for undocumented Indiana residents to obtain driving privilege cards.
Senate Bill 248 and House Bill 1644 language would provide an individual who is an Indiana resident and cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States an opportunity to apply for a driving privilege card to obtain driving privileges.
Ed Rodriguez explained to the Bremen Town Council members that there are several working citizens that need to get to work, but cannot do so legally so they either drive illegally or have to obtain a way to get to work. He said the driving card would not be used for anything other than driving. It cannot be used for identification, to vote, to travel out of state, or to fly on an airplane. The privilege would require the person to continuously maintain financial responsibility on any motor vehicle operated by that person required by law.
Rodriguez is asking several Indiana communities for support and several government entities have approved resolutions including South Bend, Goshen, East Chicago, Hammond, Elkhart, and Plymouth.
He noted the undocumented resident must meet certain requirements in order to get a driving privilege card, if it becomes law.
Rodriguez stated, “The individual would be required to be living in the State of Indiana for at least one year or more to be to apply. The individual would have to provide documents as proof of paying Indiana state taxes. Some eligible individuals can apply for what’s called an Individual Tax Identification Number, otherwise known as the acronym ITIN, through the IRS as a method of paying taxes. The individual quite possibly will be fingerprinted.”
The individual must also pass a driving test and written exam. The card would only be good for one year, with an opportunity for renewal.
Councilman Michael Leman had questions about how certain documents would qualify some individuals as he familiar with the employment of undocumented individuals and Rodriguez explained that not all people would qualify for a card. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles would do the vetting process in this matter.
Police Chief Brad Kile was asked his opinion on the matter and he commented that safety and knowing the rules of the road are important and believes this is process “sounds good”, but wants to research the bill a little more to review pros and cons.
After an hour-long discussion and hearing residents speak in support of the resolution, the council members agreed that they wanted to look more into the bill and tabled the consideration of the proposed resolution until the next meeting Monday, February 13 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
