The Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC) and Detroit Jews for Justice (DJJ) published an open letter this week, cosigned by a group of 26 Michigan rabbis, calling on the Michigan Legislature to pass the Drive SAFE bills, which would restore driver's licenses for all residents, including undocumented immigrants.
The Drive SAFE bills have been introduced five times over the last eight years but have yet to pass, prompting the rabbis to stress the importance of taking action in this legislative session.
The rabbis argue that providing driver's licenses to all Michiganders, regardless of immigration status, is a common-sense policy.
The bills enable safe and unrestricted movement, access to vital services such as banking and financial institutions. and a pathway to employment, they said.
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The rabbis also believe passing this legislation will send a powerful message. They say granting driver's licenses to all immigrants will underscore the state's commitment to inclusivity, mirroring its efforts to create a safe and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, workers, and women.
"The Drive SAFE bill is a win-win for everyone in Michigan: immigrants, new residents, and all Michiganders who seek safe streets," said Rabbi Asher Lopatin, a signatory of the open letter. "As a Jewish community, we must care for strangers, having once been newcomers to America. This bill aligns with our core Jewish values of compassion and safety for all."
Drawing upon their faith and collective history, the rabbis said they refuse to allow their undocumented friends and family to endure the same treatment they have historically faced.
“As Jews, we know that there are countless forces that compel one to leave their place of origin,” Rabbi Alana Alpert of Congregation T’Chiyah in Ferndale added. “It is our sacred responsibility to assure safety and dignity for all of our neighbors, papers or none.”
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