THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
CAMDEN NJ–Eufracia Mora and her husband run a commercial and residential painting business, and often have to drive from two to three hours for a job. The parents of two small children ride the whole way unlicensed and on edge.
\”I\’m always nervous every time I get in the car,\” Mora said, \”Every day I drive for work, or I drive the kids to school, I\’m worried I\’ll see a police car.\”
Mora is undocumented and cannot legally obtain a driver\’s license. She joined nearly 300 people Wednesday night for a forum on immigration issues largely focused on whether driver\’s licenses for undocumented residents will be allowed in New Jersey.
The event, organized by Camden County and held at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral in heavily Hispanic East Camden, came out of an increased demand on the city\’s Office of Hispanic Affairs.
A panel of immigration lawyers answered questions, as did city, county, and state legislators.
The overwhelming topic was the risks associated with undocumented immigrants driving and the everyday struggles they experience because of the prohibition.
This month, Camden City Council became the first governing body in the state to pass a resolution in support of driving-privilege cards for New Jersey residents who cannot prove they are legal citizens.
The resolution is not legally binding, but two bills are pending in the Senate and the Assembly. The proposals would require the Motor Vehicle Commission to issue driving-privilege cards to applicants who are New Jersey residents but cannot provide proof of their authorized presence in the United States.
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