Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Rep. Donald Wong opposes bill to provide Mass. driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants S tate Representative Donald Wong recently opposed legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license, citing concerns about the proposal’s fairness and enforcement and questioning proponents’ claims that it will enhance public safety. House Bill 4461, An Act relative to work and family mobility, was approved by the House of Representatives on a vote of 120-36 on February 16, with Wong voting no. The bill still requires the approval of the Senate and Governor Charlie Baker, who has repeatedly expressed his concerns with the proposal. Under the bill, individuals who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States would be given an avenue to obtain a non-REAL ID compliant Massachusetts driver’s license provided they can produce sufficient documentation to verify their identity with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Such documentation can include a valid unexpired foreign passport or Consular Identification document, as well as a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or foreign driver’s license. Wong said House Bill 4461 sends the wrong message by essentially rewarding individuals who are not in the country legally, adding that it is unfair to those individuals who have followed the law to secure lawful presence status or citizenship. He also raised concerns about ensuring that individuals applying for a license are who they say they are, and are not using forged documents, echoing Baker’s concerns that the proposal is problematic given that “a driver’s license is a passport to a lot of things” and maintaining that driver’s licenses should be restricted to citizens and to those who can prove their lawful presence in the country. Proponents of the bill have argued that it will not only allow the estimated 185,000 undocumented immigrants living in Massachusetts to obtain a driver’s license, but also will encourage these individuals to insure their motor vehicles, generating additional revenue for the state. Wong said he is skeptical of these claims, noting that many individuals may not come forward because they distrust the government and will continue to drive without a license or insurance, or simply will not want to pay the added costs of insuring their car. Wong backed an alternative proposal, submitted via an amendment filed by State Representative Shawn Dooley, that would instead allow undocumented residents to apply for a state-issued “driver privilege card” (DPC) to legally operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Under this proposal, applicants would be required to complete a comprehensive driver education and training course, provide proof of payment of all state and federal taxes as well as employment, and submit sufficient documentation verifying their name, date and place of birth. It also establishes minimum levels of auto insurance coverage for DPC holders, and specifically ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 in 1989. Q: How many Eagles, total, in the history of the troop since its inception in 1928? A: Troop 61 has 60 Eagles at the moment plus the four guys now receiving the award. Q: Isn’t it unusual in Saugus Scouting circles to honor four Eagles at one time? A: It is unusual to have more than two guys at once, I would say. These guys all waited to have one Court of Honor together. They are actually spread out over a year earning the award. When I was just joining the troop in 1983, there was a Court of Honor for seven guys. That impressed me and I always wanted something like that someday. That was my spark – my seed. It was also my hope from the moment that I became the father of my son that he would follow in my footsteps and become an Eagle Scout. It was an incredible journey together through our years and was the greatest bonding experience a father and son could ever ask for. Q: Any comment that you would like to make about these states that these individuals will not be allowed to vote in any local, state or federal election. The amendment was defeated on a voice vote. House Bill 4461 prohibits the Registrar of Motor Vehicles from inquiring about an individual’s citizenship or immigration status when processing an application for a driver’s license or a motor vehicle registration or renewal. The bill also prohibits the Registrar from disclosing information about an applicant, unless it is authorized through regulations that will be developed by the attorney general. Wong supported a pair of amendments filed by House Republican Leadership that would require the Registrar to provide information on an applicant under specific circumstances, including to a city or town clerk seeking to verify the identity and eligibility of any individual using a Massachusetts license to vote or to register to vote, or to a state law enforcement agency requesting information pursuant to an investigation. Both amendments were defeated on votes of 31-125. House Bill 4461 now heads to the Senate for its consideration. four young men? These four guys I have had all through the Boy Scout program, and David and Colin started together in Cub Scouts with me. These four young men earning the Eagle Scout award is the reward for all my years of hard work and dedication to the program. Leaders did it for me when I was a Scouting youth, and I am proud to have had the chance to give back to the program. The Scouting program helped shape my life for the better. I am glad I can help shape the lives of more Scouts for their future. These guys have grown and matured tremendously in the last couple of years. They have really bonded, grown close and formed into the brotherhood that the Scouting program is. Their hard work in completing the requirements for the award has prepared them for a better future. All of the skills that they learned along their journey will help them at school and in their careers as well-rounded leaders that understand teamwork. Q: When will the official Court of Honor be held to recASKS | SEE PAGE 5
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