Dreamers receive driver’s license test tips after ruling
Jul 16, 2014, 3:16 PM | Updated: 3:16 pm
PHOENIX — Young immigrants known as Dreamers received tips on how to pass the Arizona driver’s license test Wednesday.
Dreamers may soon be able to obtain their own driver’s license after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Gov. Jan Brewer’s controversial decision to deny driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who were granted work permits under President Barack Obama’s deferred action program.
“Her practices were unconstitutional,” said Dulce Matuz, president of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition. “Her practices are discriminating. You cannot treat individuals differently.”
Matuz hopes the ruling will help Brewer change.
“She has the opportunity to change her legacy of hate to make it a legacy of love and open the doors of MVD (to Dreamers) today. We don’t have to wait. She can open the doors of the MVD today.”
One Dreamer who is anxiously awaiting his chance to get a driver’s license is 20-year-old Jorge Martinez. He has lived in America since he was brought here at age 5. He currently works as a night security guard at Amazon and has to ride the bus to get to and from work. His dream is to finish college and eventually become a police officer.
Martinez said having a driver’s license would make things better for him.
“I can go to school,” he said. “I can go to work. I don’t have to worry about anything. I’m excited!”
Brewer has until July 21 to appeal the court’s decision.