This humane act is a win-win move for the State of Florida and the Nation. Any inhabitant can be identified and accountable, they will be able to pay taxes and fees, and have auto insurance. They can be recipients of better dignity in this nation.

Whereas, the California Vehicle Code states: Article 12801.5 (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall require an applicant for an original driver's license or identification card to submit satisfactory proof that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Whereas, this law is unjust and discriminatory, since a person’s immigration status has no logical relation to his or her capacity to drive responsibly; Whereas, this law has caused economic and psychological harm to millions of people in the State of California, through impounding of vehicles, fines, criminal records for the simple fact of driving without the license denied to them, severe limitations upon their ability to mobilize, and in some cases driving without a license has resulted in deportation; Whereas, the majority of the undocumented community has to commute far from home for work, public transportation is inadequate in several parts of the State, and whereas, many undocumented families have small children and need to drive to take their children to school, for their medical care, for their day-to-day purchases and to participate in community, family and religious activities; Whereas, the existing law contributes to racial profiling, as well as hate crimes and a general environment in society that allows for persecution, marginalization and rejection of the undocumented community and minority communities in general. Whereas, several cities in the State of California have used the existing law to mount harassment campaigns under the cover of “traffic safety,” which consist of checkpoints and saturation patrols as a way to generate revenues for their municipalities, even though these campaigns do not contribute to the welfare and safety of the community. Whereas, the existing law, just like Arizona’s SB1070, preempts federal immigration law with the aim of oppressing the immigrant community; Whereas, the existing law is the remnant of anti-immigrant campaigns from the 1990’s in the State of California and should have been repealed years ago; Whereas, several states issue drivers’ licenses to all drivers in their states who can pass the driver exams and meet driving safety requirements, and furthermore, several public officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villarraigosa, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Sheriff Lee Baca, as well as the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers' Association support the issuance of drivers’ licenses to undocumented immigrants. Whereas, the repeal of this measure would contribute to traffic safety for all Californians, since those currently affected would undergo the regulation process in the issuance of their licenses. Whereas, the granting of such drivers’ licenses would stimulate the economy for a critical workforce in California that generates over $157 billion in Gross State Product. Therefore: We demand the IMMEDIATE REPEAL of the California Vehicle Code Section 12801.5 and any other provision that discriminates against persons based on their immigration status. We furthermore demand that the licenses issued upon reforming this law must not identify a person’s immigration status, since the State of California should not participate in an act that could result in discrimination or persecution against any community. We call upon the affected communities and the public in general to participate in this campaign to eliminate discrimination in the issuance of drivers’ licenses in the State of California based on a person’s immigration status, as part of the struggle for civil rights, equality and human rights in our country. Help us attain 10,000 signatures. -Latino Roundtable of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys

I was brought to this country at the age of 8. I am 33 years old and a mother of three, and it is frustrating not being able to go with my children on field trips and participate in school activities due to the lack of a Social Security number to perform a background check. My children and their education is my top priority. An immigration reform is needed so I can help my kids achieve their goals. They are DREAMers too; I myself am a DREAMer!

As members of Congress's bipartisan "Gang of 8" working on an immigration reform proposal, Arizona Republican Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain will be key votes on legislation to fix our broken immigration system this year. We need these Senators to support a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants currently living in the United State without papers. Most of these immigrants have lived in this country for more than a decade and have come to America to seek a better life for their families. They are Americans-in-waiting who are ready to fulfill the requirements of our citizenship process - to study English, pay taxes, maintain a good record and be of good moral character. Instead of focusing only on the border, we need a new approach that is better for families and makes more economic sense.

Representing the important swing state of North Carolina, Senators Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Richard Burr (R-NC) will be key votes on legislation to fix our broken immigration system this year. We need these Senators to support a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants currently living in the United State without papers. Most of these immigrants have lived in this country for more than a decade and have come to America to seek a better life for their families. They are Americans-in-waiting who are ready to fulfill the requirements of our citizenship process - to study English, pay taxes, maintain a good record and be of good moral character. Instead of focusing only on the border, we need a new approach that is better for families and makes more economic sense.

As a member of Congress's bipartisan "Gang of 8" working on an immigration reform proposal, Arizona Senator Jeff Flake will have a major role fixing our broken immigration system. We need Sen. Flake to support a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants currently living in the United State without papers. Most of these immigrants have lived in this country for more than a decade and have come to America to seek a better life for their families. They are Americans-in-waiting who are ready to fulfill the requirements of our citizenship process - to study English, pay taxes, maintain a good record and be of good moral character. Instead of focusing only on the border, we need a new approach that is better for families and makes more economic sense.

Wisconsin legislators have introduced a bill (AB 54) which would prohibit clerks from opening early, late, or on weekends to accommodate voters trying to cast their ballots before Election Day. This is just one more way to make it harder for the voices of regular people to be heard. Our fight for a fair democracy is one in the same with the fight for ballot access. This is a fight to decide who has control in this country — wealthy special interests or regular people. Because when big money floods elections with special interest cash and then changes the law to hamper the our ability to cast a ballot, it allows them to completely lock the us out of our democracy.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Jeb Bush used to get it. For the last few years, the former Republican governor of Florida has been a voice of sanity in his party. He's consistently made clear that the GOP needs to stop demonizing immigrants and get on board with real immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented Americans. But in an interview this morning, he appeared to throw that all away -- saying that a path to citizenship isn't necessary for reform! Jeb Bush is wrong, and we need to remind him why. Our community has made clear that immigration reform without citizenship won't solve the problem and we don't support it. Use the form on the left to tell Jeb Bush: Listen to the immigration community. Immigration reform must include a path to citizenship!

my son inlaw is being detained by immigration. hes been with my daughter for 6 years and married 5 years. they have 2 young children who are very affected by this, they cry for their dad everyday, not understanding why they took their dad. they are using charges from years ago. people all at one time or another make mistakes, no ones perfect. hes a great man and hard worker. we are running out of time his court date is march 25th,2013. please help by signing petition. if hes deported they wont allow him back. his wife and kids and family here need him. kids should not have to go through this. GOD forgives and gives us chances. please help. family is so important. He Is Being Held At Khrome Detention Center In Miami fl And Is from ecuador and has Been Here Since 1999 and Has paid His Taxes And Considers The US His Home

I work out at a fitness center that specializes in fitness boxing. Punch, the name of the gym, was founded by Adelino Da Costa and his brother, who are both world wide boxing champions, and native to African country Guinea-Bissau. Adelino Da Costa's brother, who would like to remain anonymous, has a Permanent Resident Card, and has two daughters, a son, and a wife. He lives in America, while his family lives in his home country. He has become successful, and everyday he sends them money, and tries to help them obtain a citizenship or a visa. For the last 3 years he has been trying to bring them over to the United States, but every time they are rejected. I understand the United States has many immigration policies, but many families have been separated because of our flaws. This is not right, if there are families at stake, they should be able to receive a visa.

In the debate over immigration, something that confuses a lot of folks is the question of why so many people immigrate illegally in the first place. While it might sound reasonable to ask that immigrants "just do it the legal way" the truth is that our legal immgration process in this country is long, costly, confusing and frustrating. It often takes an average of 10 years or more, thousands of dollars and endless hearings and paperwork for the average Mexican or South/Central American worker to immigrate legally and "do things the right way." In the mean time, lack of opportunity and extreme poverty drives many to be willing to risk life and limb to have a chance to work hard and take care of their families by crossing the border, so that the choice may very well be "break the law or let my family starve." So many otherwise level headed progressive minded people just don't get why aspiring Americans don't "just do things by the book." As the White House prepares to offer its groundbreaking immigration reform bill, please join me in telling Congress and the President to commit streamline the path to becoming an American and commit to a path to citizenship in less than 7 years!