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The Push for Driver's Licenses for All in Indiana: Driving Without Fear



We recently had the opportunity to attend the "Driving Without Fear: The People's Assembly" press conference at the Indiana State House. Hosted by the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus in partnership with Cosecha Indiana and La Casa Amistad, the event brought together community leaders and lawmakers to call for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 248 - a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants in Indiana to apply for a driving privilege card.



As members of the Latino community, we understand the gravity of this issue all too well. Every day, our loved ones risk leaving home, not knowing if it will be the last time they will see their family simply because they don't have a driver's license. What may seem like a minor traffic violation can spiral into devastating consequences like arrest, detention, and deportation.


Many of us have witnessed the impact of this firsthand, as some of our own families have struggled to navigate their daily lives without the ability to drive. They walk miles to reach bus stops, spend a fortune on ride-sharing, and rely on others for transportation to work, the hospital, and more, all out of fear of being detained. A driver's license would bring our community a sense of security and peace of mind.


Undocumented people sustain this country through their labor and economic contributions and deserve basic rights that would ensure the safety of themselves and their families. The bill, if passed, would provide around 100,000 undocumented Hoosiers with the ability to legally drive on the roads.


At the press conference, we heard from Senator Qaddoura, who shared his experience as an immigrant, and representatives Garcia Wilburn, Andrade, and Harris, who all gave statements of support for the bill. It was clear that there is a strong push for this legislation and that the Latino Democratic Caucus, along with its partners, is committed to making sure the voices of undocumented immigrants are heard.



As a team, we stand with the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus, Cosecha Indiana, and La Casa Amistad in their fight for driver's licenses for all in Indiana. We believe that everyone deserves to drive without fear. We encourage our readers to support this effort by signing this petition and reaching out to their Indiana legislators. Together, we can make a difference. ¡Si, Se Puede!


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