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Legislators change driver's licenses, state ID bills after complaints by immigrant advocates

Michigan Sheriffs' Association

State legislators have modified a set of bills on driver's licenses and state IDs after complaints by immigrant rights' groups.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee removed a section of the bills Tuesday that immigrant advocates said would lead to confusion and racial profiling.

The committee removed a line in the original billthat said, "the license shall be visually marked indicating that it is issued for a term that expires on the date the licensee is no longer considered to be legally present in the United States."

The modified bill now includes a section that makes it clear the bill is meant for drivers with "temporary lawful status," not immigrants who have permanent legal status. The previous bill did not clarify that point.

More from the Detroit Free Press:

A new analysis of the modified bills was posted Tuesday by the House Fiscal Agency, which analyzes Michigan bills. The analysis it released last month on the bills said: "The card or license would have to be visually marked to indicate that it is issued to an individual who is not a citizen of the United States." That part is no longer in the analysis released Tuesday.

Emma is a communications specialist with the digital team at Michigan Radio. She works across all departments at Michigan Radio, with a hand in everything from digital marketing and fundraising to graphic design and website maintenance. She also produces the station's daily newsletter, The Michigan Radio Beat.
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