A large crowd marched through the Capitol and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson’s offices today to protest the state’s policy of not issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who arrived as children.
President Obama’s executive order allows undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before age 16 to apply for temporary work permits. But Michigan is denying driver’s licenses to those eligible for the program. At least 200 people gathered outside the Capitol to hear from several speakers…among them Gerrardo Zamora, who graduated college with honors but cannot find work.
“Economically, nothing good will come from not allowing these smart, willing, hard-working and good students to reach their goals and live a better life," Zamora says. "Ruth Johnson, do what’s right!”
The crowd then entered the Capitol seeking an audience with Governor Snyder. Learning he was in his office across the street, a small group of representatives was permitted to meet with the governor while the crowd circled the building and chanted.