Massachusetts Governor NEW AMERICANS AGENDA - or really expanding the MEXICAN WELFARE STATE?

Massachusetts Governor Pushes for Driver’s Licenses and Tuition Breaks for Illegal Aliens
Last week Governor Deval Patrick unveiled a state-commissioned report that recommends driver’s licenses and in-state tuition for illegal aliens in Massachusetts. (The Boston Globe, November 17, 2009). The 56-page report, known as the New Americans Agenda, includes 131 recommendations for integrating immigrants into economic and civic life in Massachusetts. (See New Americans Agenda). However, the Agenda is not limited to helping immigrants who cross our borders legally, but specifically advocates for measures that will benefit illegal aliens and undermine our immigration laws.

The Agenda was created by the Governor’s Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants, and makes no effort to distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants, who are seemingly all “New Americans.” (See New Americans Agenda). The 131 recommendations include providing more English classes for immigrants and training public school teachers to teach immigration lessons. Daily News Tribune, November 19, 2009). The Agenda also suggests expanding financial aid and in-state tuition at state colleges and universities to all immigrants, regardless of legal status. (See New Americans Agenda). As to the recommendation that illegal aliens should be allowed to obtain driver’s licenses, the authors acknowledge that the federal REAL ID Act is a barrier and advocate for efforts to repeal the statute. (The Boston Globe, November 17, 2009; New Americans Agenda). Despite the hurdle of repealing a federal law, the Agenda adamantly argues that licenses should be given to illegal aliens. There is no suggestion that existing immigration laws be enforced.

The Advisory Council’s proposals have already faced criticism from lawmakers and activists in Massachusetts. Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei called the report outrageous, and Senator Scott Brown, who is running for U.S. Senate, responded that “Government should strictly enforce the law, not ignore it with a wink and a nod, or even worse, pass laws that condone illegal behavior.” (Boston Herald, November 18, 2009; Daily News Tribune, November 19, 2009). Other opponents to the proposals argue that illegal aliens should not receive the same benefits as legal residents, and many Massachusetts residents remain resistant to granting in-state tuition or driver’s licenses to undocumented residents. (The Boston Globe, November 15, 2009). Although a bill to provide lower tuition rates to illegal aliens failed in 2006, last week Governor Patrick publicly renewed his support for legislation extending in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens. This prompted the state Republican Party to issue a statement criticizing the administration’s position. (Boston Herald, November 17, 2009).

Clearly an advocacy document, the New Americans Agenda urges the state to push for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level with suggestions more akin to finger-pointing than legislative proposals. The authors allege, “These anti-immigrant voices have created a poisonous atmosphere around the immigration debate and unfortunately have often overwhelmed legitimate public discussion on flow, status and the best way to incorporate newcomers.” (See New Americans Agenda).

Patrick called the report a “values statement” and has not specifically endorsed any of the recommendations. (O Journal, November 20, 2009). Instead, he has given his cabinet 90 days to draft a plan to improve the lives of all immigrants in Massachusetts, who will benefit whether they are lawfully present in this country or not. (The Boston Globe, November 17, 2009).