Latino Caucus Chair Statement: More Than A Decade In The Making, Licenses For All A Reality

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ricardo Lara (D–Bell Gardens/ Long Beach), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus joined legislative leaders, fellow Latino Caucus members, immigrant rights advocates and  Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. at the signing ceremony for AB 60 authored by Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) today and released the following statement:

“I am proud to stand beside my colleagues and join Governor Brown on a day that will be remembered in history as a victory for California.

This day would not have been possible without the persistence and endurance of advocates, organizers, and leaders throughout the state, who have worked tirelessly in the best interest our families, friends and loved ones who are undocumented. Most importantly, it would not be possible without the support and perseverance of community members who were committed to changing unjust laws in our state.

It took more than a decade to accomplish, but today we stand united in anticipation of a process that will integrate nearly two million individuals that have been for too long living in fear of having their vehicles impounded and their livelihoods stripped from them.

Today is proof and evidence that change can and does happen.”

AB 60 is a culmination of efforts to grant undocumented individuals a driver’s license beginning in 2001.  The bill advanced through the legislative process with a broad coalition of support including advocacy groups, labor, and law enforcement. This bill will allow nearly two million undocumented Californians to drive legally in our state. When this bill goes into effect on January 1, 2014, California will join the ten other states in the United States which have licensed undocumented immigrant drivers which include: New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Maryland, Vermont, Colorado, and Connecticut.

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Press Contact: Lizette Mata (916) 651-4033, cell (209) 969-3277