Statement by Latino Caucus Regarding Department of Homeland Security’s Rejection of DMV’s AB 60 License Design

SACRAMENTO – Today, California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Huntington Park/Long Beach) and Vice Chair, Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson urging him to revisit the decision to reject the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) AB 60 driver’s license design.

They released the following statement:

“Recent news of the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to decline the approval of the proposed AB 60 driver’s license submitted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles is disappointing and troubling. We strongly believe that the design submitted by California satisfies the intent of the law, by including a distinctive mark on the front, and the required statement on the surface of the license.”

“Over the last 15 years, California has led the way on immigration issues where the federal government has failed to act. While waiting for comprehensive immigration reform, the California legislature has worked to remove legal barriers, expand access to education and health care, and promote economic mobility and self-sufficiency for those families in our state who do not have a mechanism to change their legal status. In the absence of federal comprehensive immigration reform, we feel compelled to continue to provide as much relief and support as possible to these hard working residents. Absent a reversal of DHS’ recent decision, their actions would seem to undermine these hard fought and carefully considered efforts.”

“We call on California’s Congressional delegation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to demonstrate leadership on this issue by demanding the DHS reconsider their rejection of the California DMV’s recommended design."

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CONTACT: Jesse Melgar (916) 651-4033/ Jesse.Melgar@sen.ca.gov