Lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation they say “would improve public safety by establishing driver’s licenses for New Jersey residents who cannot prove their lawful presence in the United States (A-4425).”

Yesterday, Governor Christie called this legislation irresponsible and dangerous, and said he would veto it immediately if it came to his desk.

A transcript of Assemblywoman Quijano’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are appended below:

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chair:

“We’re going to start today by taking a moment of silence to reflect on the tragedies in Beirut and France last week. There is no possible justification for such heinous acts of terrorist violence.

“It falls to the federal government to create and enforce immigration laws and policies. I had hoped that the efforts of the Gang of 8 in 2013 would have led to comprehensive immigration reform. Sadly, that was not the case. New Jersey is home to over half a million undocumented immigrants that make up 8% of our labor force. We live and work alongside them, and they drive on our highways and roadways every day, without a license, without verification of training, without insurance, and without accountability. Unlicensed drivers are 5 times more likely to be in a fatal car accident, and 10 times more likely to flee the scene of an accident.

“We are lucky enough to live in a place that attracts people looking to make a better life for themselves and their families. These people come here to work, and they drive to get there. They drive their children to our local schools, and they drive to do their shopping at our local businesses. None of those things are going to change. The State needs to make our roads safer.

“We NEED to require these individuals to take driver’s tests and properly register with MVC.

“Licensed drivers know the rules of the road and have a proper understanding of traffic regulations.

“Licensed drivers will be more likely to obtain auto insurance, reducing the cost of accidents involving uninsured motorists and potentially lowering insurance rates for everyone.

“This is a question of security. Making all drivers obtain licenses will help our state maintain accurate records, including the names and addresses of all state residents. It will also help our economy.

“Driver’s license application fees will generate revenue for the state.

“Enhanced mobility for immigrant workers will grow our local businesses and stimulate our economy.

“The bill will require undocumented NJ residents to be tested, trained, licensed, insured, and be accountable for their driving records. This limited license will not be given away by the state; it must be earned, just like everyone else’s licenses. This bill will not grant legal status to undocumented persons residing in the state, it will not allow license holders to apply to any state or federal programs, and it will not authorize license holders to work. This is not a Social Security card, and it does not make individuals United States citizens.

“All this legislation will do is make people come out of the shadows, making all of us safer. Public safety is why we’re here today, and it is the ongoing mission of this committee, which in the coming months will continue to examine the ways in which this state is working to ensure the continued safety of its residents.

“With that, we’ll begin taking testimony on this bill. Because of the number of people here today, we will impose a strict 3-minute limit on all testimony, with additional time allowed for the use of interpreters when necessary. Please limit your testimony to the contents of the bill and not to broader, related issues. And please adhere to the usual rules of decorum of this Legislature.”

[TLS]