Democrats appear to have reneged on a pledge to pass legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain a driver’s license, drawing strong criticism from supporters of the bills.
Instead of taking up the Drive SAFE bills this week, the Democratic-led House is planning to adjourn for the year. When state representatives return in January, Republicans will have control of the House after their election victories in November, effectively dooming any chance for the initiative’s revival.
The Drive Michigan Forward coalition, a group of activists, civic organizations, unions, and businesses that championed the legislation, expressed outrage. The coalition cited broken promises from Democratic leaders, including Speaker Joe Tate, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who had committed to advancing the legislation.
“Their irresponsible and ineffective leadership in this fight has left immigrant families exposed and without the protections that come with a license — a betrayal of the promises they made to the communities that secured them the Democratic trifecta,” the coalition said in a statement. “When the stakes are this high, inaction is a choice whose consequences will be felt by the community that placed Speaker Tate, Senate Majority Leader Brinks, and Governor Whitmer in a position to act. Michigan needs strong leadership to advance Democratic priorities, especially as immigrant communities face increasing uncertainty from the incoming Trump administration, which has vowed to separate families from their communities.”
When Democrats took control of the state Legislature in January 2023 for the first time in decades, they vowed to restore driver’s license access to undocumented residents — a right revoked in 2008. Lawmakers hailed the Drive SAFE bills as a cornerstone of their agenda, emphasizing public safety, economic stability, and fairness for Michigan’s nearly 700,000 immigrants.
“Our legislation will finally allow all Michiganders to engage in our economy, have access to basic freedoms, and do so with the guarantee of safety,” Rep. Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, said during a press conference in March 2023.
The proposed legislation had broad support from law enforcement, businesses, unions, and 54% of Michigan voters. Advocates pointed to studies showing that unlicensed drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. Neighboring states like Utah have successfully implemented similar laws, demonstrating bipartisan benefits to public safety and community trust.
Yet, despite months of lobbying and assurances from leadership, the bills never made it to a vote. Activists accuse Democrats of dragging their feet and prioritizing less controversial measures.
For Michigan’s immigrant communities, the failure to pass the Drive SAFE bills is not just a political setback but a daily hardship. Undocumented residents rely on driving to access work, school, and medical care, often risking arrest or deportation in the process.
“As Michigan's lame-duck session ends, the repercussions of inaction will impact our communities for years,” the coalition said in a statement. “Families remain vulnerable, public safety is eroded, and economic opportunities are wasted.”
The Drive SAFE bills had been introduced five times in the past, only to face Republican obstruction. This year was supposed to be different, with Democrats controlling both chambers and the governor’s office. Instead, they walked away from the initiative, leaving immigrant families vulnerable to ongoing hardships.
Activists say the Drive SAFE bills represented a rare opportunity for Michigan to lead on immigration issues at a time when federal policies remain stalled. The coalition highlighted the bipartisan support such measures have received in other states, including Utah, California, and New York.
“Working families across Michigan have had each other’s back through crisis after crisis,” the coalition said. “Now we need the Democratic majority to do the same by taking action that makes a lasting difference for regular people.”
As the lame-duck session ends, the political landscape in Lansing shifts dramatically. When lawmakers return in January, Republican control will almost certainly bury any chance of revisiting the issue. Activists and community leaders warn that the consequences of inaction will ripple for years to come, affecting public safety, economic growth, and trust in government.
For now, immigrant families in Michigan remain in a precarious position, with no clear path forward. The Drive Michigan Forward coalition vows to continue its fight but acknowledges the steep uphill battle ahead under Republican leadership.
“Our communities are watching closely, and we won’t forget who looked out for us and who didn’t,” the coalition said.
