COMMUNITY ADVOCATES CALL ON 2nd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMEN TO
SUPPORT EXPANDED ACCESS TO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

In a show of force and solidarity, a coalition of immigrant community members, faith leaders, elected
officials and advocates will be peacefully rallying in front of the Northfield Office of Assemblyman
Vince Mazzeo and Assemblyman John Armato on December 10th in support of legislation that would
expand access to driver’s licenses to immigrants.
This legislation, designated as A4743 and S3229 in the Assembly and Senate, respectively, would create
two categories of Driver’s Licenses and would allow immigrants without legal status, certain senior
citizens, and others who can prove their New Jersey residency and identity to get a license that could be
used only for driving purposes. After months of mounting community pressure, legislative leadership has
confirmed this legislation will be voted on in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on December 9th and in
the Senate Transportation Committee on December 12th.
“This legislation is a symbol of hope, dignity, and perseverance for the immigrant community” says
Atlantic City Councilman-At-Large Moisse “Mo” Delgado. “For years advocates from all across the state
have been fighting for this justice, and now that we are closer than ever before, we must ensure our
Assembly representatives stand with our community and vote in favor of this legislation.” In a show of
unity, Atlantic City 5th ward councilman-elect and member of a growing Southeast Asian community,
Anjum Zia, echoes a similar sentiment, “Atlantic City’s strength lies in its diversity, and we are coming
together and standing shoulder to shoulder with all our immigrant brothers and sisters because of what
this legislation means to our community.”
Advocates of this legislation say it will improve public safety on New Jersey’s roads by ensuring newly
insured and registered drivers are tested and can be held accountable, while at the same time boosting the
state economy by allowing immigrants to become fully mobile and participate in their local
economies. “Ultimately, this legislation will increase the wellbeing of families by allowing moms and
dads to drive their children to school and doctors’ appointments without fear that their families will be
separated simply because of a broken tail light.” says community advocate Joshua Barreiro of the
Vineland based organization, Hispanic Advocacy Committee For Equity.
Ahead of a full General Assembly vote expected this lame duck session, many advocates are fearful that
the Assemblymen’s previous public statements regarding this legislation will ultimately equate to a “NO”
vote. “The truth is the Assemblymen have openly expressed reservations about the legislation despite
community advocates meeting with them over the span of two years and walking them through the
positive benefits that will come from this legislation,” says community organizer Margarito Contreras
from Cosecha New Jersey , a statewide immigrant justice organization that previously organized an action
in front of the office of Assemblyman Mazzeo and Armato. “A NO vote from the assemblymen on this
legislation would be a betrayal to the entire immigrant community of Atlantic County and New Jersey.

El Pueblo Unido

“It is because of the Assemblymen’s lack of support and their own words regarding this legislation that
our community and our allies are taking action. For a long time, the immigrant community in this part of
South Jersey has not mobilized” says Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez, a Hispanic community organizer from
Atlantic County “Those days are long over and our 2nd legislative district representatives will see that.”
“In the end, everything we are doing, is coming from a place of love, faith and a belief that we can all
come together for the betterment of our immigrant community” says Pastora Laura Terrero of Bajo su
Gloria Casa de Dios Church in Atlantic City, who will also be joining the demonstration on December
10th. “When love and unity guides us, we can overcome anything and I have faith that the Assemblymen
will stand with our community come the voting session.”
This demonstration has the support of several different faith, civic and political groups that will all be in
attendance on December 10th.

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