Several undocumented Pennsylvanians testified at the Capitol Building Wednesday, urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would allow them to get a driver’s license.
The proposed House Bill would give everyone in the State a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.
Pablo Escobar fears he’ll never obtain a driver’s license. He says, “I’m putting my best effort, working, paying taxes like everybody else. I’m getting nothing in return.”
He’s asking lawmakers to pass House Bill 1648. The painter moved from Argentina to Easton in 2002. He says the bill would give him, his fiance and 3-year-old daughter more protection.
Escobar says, “It’s going to be more safe for the drivers, the immigrants, help for everybody. Make the roads secure. Police officers will be happy with that and increase the income for the state.”
It costs $34.50 to get a Pennsylvania driver’s license. Lawmakers say if the bill passes, the state would see more than $2 million in revenue.
State Representative Patty Kim co-sponsors the bill. She says, “The sad reality is there’s a lot of people who don’t have drivers license because they can’t get one and are driving out on the roads.”
Kim says the legislation is a safe move.
She says, “I don’t want to have my children drive in the back of my car and along with people who are not trained who don’t have an id or car insurance.”