L.A. Parker: New Jersey poised to offer driving privileges to hundreds of thousands disenfranchised residents – The Trentonian

A popular children’s song that makes the famous traveling inquiry “Are We There Yet?” connects to legislation that could offer driving opportunities to almost a half-million undocumented New Jersey residents.

And the answer is “almost” as New Jersey stands poised to join 12 states and Washington, D.C. that have expanded access to drivers licenses to qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status.

More than a decade after this idea and mission originated, disenfranchised residents may soon have an opportunity to drive legally, instead of risking arrest and accidents as unlicensed drivers. Two initiatives could deliver freedom and access to New Jersey residents.

The bills — S-3229 in the Senate and A-4743 in the Assembly — create two categories of driver’s licenses and identification cards. “Residents unable to prove lawful presence in (the United States) can receive permits, and standard driver’s licenses or identification cards.”

The bills were introduced by Democrats Joseph Vitale (Middlesex), Joseph Cryan (Union), Teresa Ruiz (Essex), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (Camden), and Nellie Pou (Essex) in the Senate and Democrats Annette Quijano (Union), Raj Mukherji, Gary S. Schaer, Gordon M. Johnson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Joe Danielsen in the Assembly.

Supporters say legislation will increase public safety, help the state’s economy and increase the well-being of all families – particularly the hundreds of thousands who will gain access to a driver’s license.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly noted that, “Allowing our undocumented immigrant community to obtain driver’s licenses is a critical step to help build a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all. This policy will make our roads safer for all drivers and also stimulate the economy.”

Data shows that gaining a right to drive will impact approximately 12,000 Mercer County residents. According to Let’s Drive NJ, a grassroots organization that according to its website “connects nearly seventy community, faith, labor, social service and advocacy organizations to push to expand access to drivers’ licenses in the Garden State”, legislation will increase safety, collect millions in fees and licenses while offering freedom.

Residents who rely on public transportation will experience the freedom that exists with car ownership and holding legal driver’s licenses. Many city workers require two or more bus rides to reach employment destinies while others pay lucrative fees to transport children or themselves to hospitals. City cab drivers have been known to charge up to $80 for a trip from Trenton to Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell.

Plus, no access to driver’s licenses and car ownership mean many residents shop at supermarkets and corner stores that charge overpriced items when compared to food costs outside Trenton. Wait until city residents realize the power of coupon-aided shopping.

In fact, some local non-profit should introduce a program that educates residents about the power of coupon use. Double coupons? Wonderful feelings arrive when shoppers observe a receipt that shows how much money they saved.

Amazing that an issue this important and progressive has needed more than a decade to arrive. It’s common sense which seems to escape legislators and leaders.

While the wheels of justice turn slowly it seems a lot faster than years needed to create a driving system that allows access to many New Jersey residents.

Let’s Drive, NJ.