That’s right! They’re at it again. Last week it was a slap in the face for protections for transgender people. This time the extremists are targeting the rights of immigrants to hold a driver’s license here in New Hampshire. Naturally, this mean-spirited bill is sponsored by Liberty Alliance members in both the House and the Senate.
HB452-FN is an act “relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.”
Should this bill pass, it would deny people without green cards, known as “permanent resident status,” the right to apply for or to renew a driver’s license. Currently, anyone with employment authorization and a Social Security number can apply for a license. This allows for asylum seekers, here legally, to drive and work during the waiting period for their asylum hearings and an eventual green card. These waiting periods can sometimes go on for years and many of these folks would be in danger of losing the right to drive.
For example, a wonderful man named Luis has been here in NH with his wife and 3 children since before COVID. Luis drives from Keene to Peterborough every day working in a factory that makes fire hoses. He is greatly valued by his employer. If Luis is unable to renew his license, he’ll have to make the devastating choice of driving illegally to work in Peterborough, or stop working altogether.
This terrible bill hurts not only hardworking immigrants who have followed all the rules, but the businesses who depend on them! And there are businesses who are happy to give legal immigrants an opportunity to work, supporting themselves and their families. This proposed legislation makes it impossible for many immigrant folks to work here and drive here legally, enabling them to live here and pay taxes. There are a few exceptions and that would be for people living here “on a temporary basis” who have student or special work visas. Asylum seekers are specifically targeted by HB 452.
While there is no hearing scheduled yet for this bill, which is still in the Senate Transportation Committee, you can take action and Email Entire Committee. Let them know of your opposition to this discriminatory and mean-spirited bill which targets legal asylum seekers. Also contact Gov. Ayotte by clicking here or call (603) 271-2121.
Project Home is a wonderful organization that helps place families, couples or even a single asylum seeker in host homes around the Monadnock Region. I, myself, have assisted (whenever I could) in driving when needed. Like other organizations, donations are always needed and welcomed. If you can, please click here to donate online or find where to send a check.
“I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong.” George Washington
“Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” John F. Kennedy
We would do well to remember the words of these two great presidents as we continue in our defense of democracy for ourselves and others who come here seeking it!