Senator Sacco Announces Support for Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Senator Stands With Immigrant Rights Advocates and Latino Clergy, Supports Undocumented Community

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – Standing alongside immigrant rights activists, Latino pastors and local residents who have dealt with the country’s harsh immigration system, State Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco announced his support for legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses at a news conference today. Senator Sacco will co-sponsor S-3229 and advocate for its passage in the State Legislature, and in doing so will affirm his strong and steadfast support for the Latino community and all immigrants.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to work hard, take care of their family and live a better life, and I have come into contact with thousands of immigrant families here in North Bergen striving every day to accomplish those goals,” said Senator Sacco. “This legislation would remove a severe barrier to living the American Dream for half a million New Jersey residents, and in the process would make our roads safer for all drivers by mandating proper insurance coverage and driver training. I’m proud to stand with immigrant advocates on this important issue and I will work to make sure it is enacted into law.”

Senator Saco was joined at the event by Assembly members Angelica Jimenez and Pedro Mejia, who are both Co-Sponsors of the bill, as well as members of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers, immigrant activists from Make the Road New Jersey, and other local advocates.

“We thank Senator Sacco for his support and leadership in standing up for immigrant rights,” said Olga Armas of Make the Road New Jersey. “Our families cannot wait another day to be able to drive safely in New Jersey. As the federal government continues to attack immigrant communities, New Jersey must stand up to expand access to drivers licenses for all qualified drivers – our roads will be safer, our families will stay together and our communities will thrive.”

The event also featured remarks by Jorge Acosta, a Cuban immigrant and the owner of Trova Cuban Cafe, who told his story about the difficulties of working in the country without access to a driver’s license. Acosta hosted the event at his restaurant, where he is the sole owner and living proof of the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work shown by so many immigrants.

“We commend Senator Sacco for standing up on behalf of the thousands of residents who live in the shadows of our communities and can’t perform the most essential daily functions and activities, such as taking their children to school, going to medical visits or grocery shopping”, said Bishop Antonio A. Merino, President of the Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers. “Our federal immigration system is broken and it is our state lawmakers’ job to do everything they can to help our people succeed, and that’s exactly what Senator Sacco and his colleagues are doing.”