LOS ANGELES – There are 416,000 undocumented Asian Americans in the state of California, according to a report. That means thousands of drivers on the road who cannot get a proper license, putting California streets and families at risk, with many living in fear of something as simple as driving around town.
“Driving should be a right for every single resident of California,” said Betty Hung, Policy Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (AAAJ – LA) at a press conference held Thursday, Dec. 18.
Starting January 1, all California residents, regardless of immigration status, will be eligible to apply for a driver’s license under Assembly Bill 60, also known as the Safe and Responsible Drivers’ Act.
“This is a critical break-through law as a result of tireless organization led by immigrants,” Hung added. “AB 60 licenses have a real human impact.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and his administration stand side by side in support of the law, and Garcetti believes that a safe, drivable city is a healthy city.
“12 percent of all California drivers do not have a license. 1 in 5 vehicle crashes involve someone driving without a license,” said LA Office of Immigrant Affairs representative Joseph Bernardo. “This is not just a policy, economic, and moral issue—this is also a safety concern.”
The benefits of AB 60 include prevention of being ticketed or arrested for driving without a license, avoiding the expensive costs of car impounding, and increasing safety on California’s busy roads.
“The license affects all walks of life, and will help provide an identity for immigrants and victims,” said Stacy Suh, an organizer of the ACLU of Northern California and Drive CA. “It is important that every eligible California driver is tested, licensed, and insured.”
An ASPIRE-LA advocate and mother of two, Maddie Villanueva had been driving without a license for 11 years. Afraid of being pulled over, she never drove on freeways for fear that she was more vulnerable, and even taught her daughters to drive in non-busy streets.
“For years, I was living with deception, pretending that I have the legal right to drive. I was putting lives at risk, including my daughters, for all those years of driving without a license,” Villanueva shared. “However, I am glad, because it was worth a million—our lives cannot stop. By taking that risk, I am helping to fulfill the dreams of my family and helping them to achieve their dreams.”
“I am telling this story because these are just a few of the many hurdles an undocumented immigrant faces every day.”
Today, Villanueva helps to spread awareness of this important issue to her undocumented friends and colleagues. She hopes to make a widespread impact to vulnerable communities, to inform them of the new changes and opportunities coming.
Though the law signed by Calif. Governor Jerry Brown does not apply until the start of 2015, those interested in applying are encouraged to begin preparing for the process by gathering necessary documents to establish identity and CA residency, studying for the written and drivers’ tests, making an appointment with the DMV, and of course, practice.
The fee to apply for a driver’s license under AB 60 is the same as applying for a regular license: $33.
Features of the AB 60 license include a “federal limits apply” statement on the front, and “not valid for official federal purposes” on the back. These notes ensure that the license is completely legal under the bounds of the new law, and is protected from discrimination by law enforcement.
For those concerned about how officials will treat AB 60 applicants, the process ensures privacy and confidentiality. Any information provided to the DMV, regardless of immigration status, is kept secure and confidential unless part of a federal investigation. DMV officials cannot turn applicants in to law enforcement, regardless of status.
In addition, low cost insurance will also be available for eligible immigrant community members.
“The work is far from over,” said Stacy Suh. “We need to make sure this monumental law for driver’s licenses is accessible and permanent everywhere. WE encourage our community members to remain vigilant.”
Assistance and information about the AB 60 application are available through resources from the Pilipino Workers Center and AAAJ – LA, two organizations working together to provide additional resources in multiple languages for undocumented applicants.
“We are working with the DMV to ensure that resources and necessary information in multi-languages are available, so people can make an informed and educated decision,” said Stewart Kwoh, Executive Director of AAAJ – LA. “As we look forward to see AB 60 improve the lives of undocumented Californians, we continue our commitment to fight for a more comprehensive solution that would provide all immigrants with the dignity they deserve.”
Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center, encouraged those Filipinos and other APIs living in the shadows to take advantage of a groundbreaking program for Californians. “This is a huge opportunity for our community and can make a really big impact in our own lives, families, and even our communities. There are a lot of myths that people have fears about, but those are not realities. The more people who step out, the more who will win for our communities.”
“This was fought for because it would make a big difference in many people’s lives, and we are here to help everyone in our community make it successfully through the application process. Nandito kami para tumulong (We are here to help).”
“[AB 60 is] one step forward to fulfilling our dreams as undocumented immigrants: to drive legally, without fear or taking vulnerable risk, and with peace of mind,” Ms. Villaneuva concluded, tearing up at the end of her speech. “Come January, I will be the first one to line up at the DMV office to get my new license!”
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend December 20-23, 2014 Sec. A pg.1)
