Governor Raimondo doesn’t fulfill drivers’ license promise
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
The time has come and gone for Governor Gina Raimondo to fulfill a campaign promise. She had said she would pass an executive order within her first year in office to grant drivers’ licenses to immigrants who came to Rhode Island illegally.
"They go to school, shop, work, support the infrastructure… but can’t drive without the fear of being stopped. That’s a huge safety issue,” said advocate Sophia Wright in a December rally.
They rallied just before the new year, hoping Governor Gina Raimondo would come through on the promise she made on the campaign trail in 2014.
"Other states have licenses for undocumented people. It makes the community a lot safer when we know who’s on the road and when we know who has a drivers’ license so it’s really just a logistic,” said advocate Victoria Ruiz in a December rally.
But the governor has run out of time. 2015 has come and gone and no bill or executive order has been passed. Twelve states, including Connecticut issue drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants.
The governor says she’s still committed to the issue but is leaving it up to state lawmakers to actually pass legislation.
A coalition of immigrant advocates will be marching again on Tuesday from St. Patrick church to the statehouse. That’s the same day the General Assembly reconvenes.
