Driving soon a reality for immigrants in Jersey?

Jersey City became the eighth city in New Jersey to pass a resolution urging state legislators to pass a law that would allow undocumented residents to secure licenses to drive motor vehicles, GMA News reported today.

Jersey City followed the lead of Camden, Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Dover, and Bridgeton in passing a resolution seen as a “victory” by the immigrant population, including Filipinos.

More than 40 percent of the residents of Jersey City are foreign-born with Filipinos keeping a big presence there.  “We laud the passing of the resolution,” said Yves Nibungco.

An organizer of the Filipino Immigrants and Workers Organizing Project (FIWOP) and a city resident, Nibungco  urged the Filipino community to get involved.  “Call your legislators and tell them that you want driver’s license for all New Jerseyans, regardless of immigration status,” he said.

Another Filipino advocate, Joelle Lingat, said the passage of the resolution is yet another step towards genuine immigration reform in the state. -end-

Image by NY Daily News