In the lead-up to the State of the State Address, a number of Kent County commissioners are calling for the passage of Michigan’s Drive SAFE legislation, which would let residents earn a driver’s license regardless of their immigration status.
Days after the state legislature returned to session in the new year, Ivan Diaz (District 20) released an open letter, describing the benefits of House bills 4410–4412 and Senate Bills 265–268. Nine other commissioners— including one Republican— added their signatures.
“We have individually seen its benefit to our constituents,” the letter said, noting that it did not speak on behalf of the county or the commission. “We ask that you take these bills up for a public hearing and a floor vote.”
Listing data from the Economic Report on New Americans in Kent County, the letter said immigrants— which account for nearly $5B in the county’s GDP and pay $174M in state and local taxes— have been “living in the shadows” for decades.
“If people had a choice, they wouldn’t choose to be undocumented,” Diaz said.