Weaker license documentation means more fraud and drug traffickers
Current Massachusetts law allows the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to issue two types of Massachusetts licenses: REAL ID-compliant and Massachusetts licenses. Legislation filed by Senator Brendan Crighton and Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier Senate Bill SB2061 and House Bill HB3012 would weaken lawful presence requirements for individuals applying for a Massachusetts License or ID. That is, this legislation would make it much easier for illegal immigrants to obtain a Massachusetts license or ID.
Issuing licenses or IDs to illegal immigrants is fraught with danger. It increases the likelihood of fraudulent activity associated with government programs or identity theft. It can also lead to voter fraud as voter registration is allowed at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Add to that, neglectful mismanagement at the RMV as in the case of the tragic death of 7 motorcyclists due to RMV failure to even keep track of current licensed Massachusetts residents. Allowing illegal immigrants will only increase threats to public safety.
Alarmingly, Representative Shaunna O’Connell (R-Taunton) identified a deep stack of police reports of fraud, identity theft, and drug trafficking. O’Connell filed a bill that would require an independent audit of all the driver’s licenses in the state to weed out identity theft and fraud and help stop the flow of illegal benefits and drugs.
The time to end each legislative session is July 31st but unscrupulous legislators on Beacon Hill have voted to extend indefinitely the time to vote on this bill. Of particular concern, is any attempt to vote on this after the election because it will be too late to hold them accountable for their vote. We need them to end the session before the November 3rd election day.
