A bill (HB 452) to deny asylum seekers the right to a driver’s license was passed by the NH House of Representatives. When it arrived in the NH Senate Transportation Committee for a hearing, Chair Ricciardi commented she had never received so many contacts from NH citizens to oppose a bill. It was clear that Senator Ricciardi, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, “gets it.” She understands that asylum seekers are here in the US with the permission of our government and are not lawless people invading our country. She recognizes asylum seekers as hard working people, who are supporting their families, and contributing to our communities.

At the committee hearing there was an employer who testified that his manufacturing firm depends upon the skills and labor of asylum seekers. I testified about friends who are asylum seekers who are trained to provide care to adults with brain damage and children with severe behavioral challenges. We need these folks here in NH. Without a driver’s license they will not be able to get to work and do the work that is needed.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted not to recommend this bill with such harmful consequences to the full Senate. Now the NH House has voted to send this very same proposal back to the Senate as an amendment to another bill, SB 13. I urge our senators to reject SB 13.

Doris Hampton

Canterbury