Members of La Voz Unida and community members crowded inside the Bremen Town Hall Monday afternoon to show unity in front of the Bremen Town Council in that they pass a resolution endorsing 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 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.
The bill is out of committee and will be heard in appropriations this week.
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 also stated that the individual would have to provide federally recognized documents in order to get a card. The individual needs to provide proof of paying Indiana state taxes. Some eligible individuals can apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number through the IRS as a method of paying taxes.
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.
With the provisions included in the bill, not all undocumented residents will qualify for a driving privilege card.
Immigration Attorney Felipe Merino told the council Monday afternoon that he recently testified in Indianapolis support of the bill and sent some revisions to allow the language in the bill to make “more sense”. An affidavit would be included that would allow a resident with a card to sign up for citizenship as it is allowed by Congress.
Councilman Rick Graverson questioned the country’s laws and immigration and changing the laws. Councilman Michael Leman had a few questions concerning documents and matters to obtain the driving privilege card, but said all of this questions were answered with the information given. After an hour-long discussion, the council voted unanimously to support a local resolution to be drafted by Town Attorney Anthony Wagner that supports Senate Bill 248 in the legislature. The actual resolution will be voted on at an upcoming meeting. The approval of support was met with an eruption of cheers and applause by the large number of supporters who attended the meeting.
