Oregon is one of the many states that doesn’t allow undocumented migrants to obtain a Driver License. This wasn’t always the case though; it wasn’t until November of 2007 that our former Democratic governor issued an executive order removing licenses!
I was 21-years old when this happened. I remember seeing the fear in my families eyes and worry to even go to the store to buy groceries. Now 5-years later my family still lives with the same fear and I know my family isn’t alone; I know this because I have seen first-hand families fight deportation as a result of being picked up for nothing more than driving without a license.
Take Oswaldo Mejia, a 22 year old who was profiled and asked for his driver license. As soon as he told the police officer he didn’t have one he was sent directly to jail and from there Immigration nearly detained him. This is a reality for many in our community and it is time for it to change.
Gov. Kitzhaber: Sign an Executive Order Giv
ing Undocumented Oregonians Driver’s Licenses!
Earlier this summer I was shocked to learn that the current Governor can fix this problem by simply issuing another executive order bringing licenses back. Over the last few months I have been talking to many in the community about this and they are just as surprised as I first was. Everyone is asking; if the governor can bring back licenses with a simple signature of his pen then why won’t he? A good question!
Take Action: Make a Call:
“Hi, I was calling to ask that the Governor issue an executive order bringing back driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Each day we do not have proper identification many in the community risk deportation. Thank you.”
1. Call the Governor: (503) 378-3111
2. Call Frank Garcia, Senior Policy Advisor: 503-986-6543
[...] of Oregon DreamActivist will be walking to the Capitol in Salem from Portland to deliver petitions they’ve gathered and draw [...]