Dallas – This week, Texas State Representative Ramón Romero reintroduced a bill in the Texas legislature that would remove the barrier keeping some Texas immigrants from accessing Texas state driver’s permits. At a time when some politicians are doing everything in their power to divide Texans, United We Dream welcomes bills like the conditional driver’s permit bill which would expand access to all.
Juan Jose Martinez-Guevera, Texas Advocacy Coordinator of United We Dream, said:
“From Dallas to El Paso, San Antonio to Amarillo, Texans look out for each other, and most of us believe in respecting and embracing people with the courage to move here for a better life. That is why United We Dream enthusiastically supports expanding access to driver’s permits for all immigrants. While certain Texas politicians try to pit us against each other, we know the right of every Texan to drive without fear is crucial to our collective wellbeing. Driving is an essential part of many Texans’ daily routines. From driving their kids to school, getting to work, or going to the grocery store to put food on the table. No one should have to fear that their next drive will be the reason they never see their family again.
Ensuring that every Texan, regardless of immigration status, has the freedom to obtain a driver’s permit will increase public safety by increasing the number of insured drivers on the road. Despite the past years of anti-immigrant rhetoric, this bill has the opportunity to extend care to all our Texan neighbors. Removing the barrier from some immigrants to obtain a driver’s permit makes sense for Texas. We need Texas lawmakers to make sure they prioritize passing legislation that helps us, including passage of the conditional driver’s permit bill in this upcoming session.”
