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Immigrant drivers license bills re-introduced

People wait at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office at Atlantic Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York on December 18, 2019.
Angela Weiss
/
AFP via Getty Images
People wait at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office at Atlantic Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York on December 18, 2019.

Some Michigan lawmakers are renewing their push to allow any resident of the state to receive an ID — regardless of immigration status.

Supporters claim that doing so would make roads safer and help people perform everyday tasks like buying medicine.

But Republican Representative Greg Markkenan says people should go through official channels to gain legal residency if they want an ID.

"I believe that the process is out there, and they should follow it."

Conversely, Democratic Representative Abraham Aiyash says it's not up to the state to impose immigration policy.

"If you are able to get behind the wheel and responsibly drive and pass a driver's test, that's the only thing that should have a bearing over whether or not you should have a driver's license."

Prior to 2008, undocumented people were eligible for IDs in Michigan.