Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 

in support of HF 1163 

Friday, February 26, 2021 

I am Veena Iyer, and I work as the executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a statewide non-profit organization providing free legal services to low-income immigrants. We have offices in Austin, Moorhead, St. Paul, and Worthington.  

We submit this testimony in support of HF 1163, which would make driver’s licenses available to all residents of Minnesota who can pass the driver’s license examination, regardless of immigration status. This legislation will benefit Minnesota families and communities, especially rural Minnesota communities. This legislation will boost Minnesota’s economy, while making our roads safer for everyone.  

Driver’s licenses, issued by Minnesota’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), allow individuals to navigate our roads safely and legally. In Minnesota, only individuals who pass the driver’s test and prove legal immigration status are allowed to receive a driver’s license. That means undocumented immigrants do not have safe, legal access to our shared roads. Currently, sixteen states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico allow undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses.1, 2 3  

Driver’s licenses could be used as proof to drive and of identity but could not be used to vote or for REAL ID purposes. Issuing licenses without proof of immigration status would not only benefit undocumented immigrants, but also those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and other groups who may have difficulty obtaining hard-to-access documentation. 

Driver’s Licenses Are Essential for Rural Workers 

Greater Minnesota and the agricultural sector depend on immigrant workers, who need safe and legal access to roads in rural areas with little to no existing public transit. Meat-packing and poultry-processing, dairies, and fruit and vegetable production and processing all depend on immigrant workers. National estimates tell us that about half of immigrant agricultural workers are undocumented. The American Farm Bureau says: “At least 50-70 percent of farm laborers in the country today are unauthorized. Few U.S. workers are willing to fill farm labor jobs.“4  

Immigrant workers, including unauthorized immigrants, are essential to Minnesota agriculture.5 They need driver’s licenses to get to their jobs, to go to church and medical appointments, to shop for groceries, to take their children to school activities—just like all other rural Minnesotans.  

In small towns and medium-sized cities, as well as in the metro area, immigrant entrepreneurs fortify main streets with restaurants, groceries, and a myriad of other businesses. They help to maintain and grow communities across the entire state.  

Driver’s Licenses For All Benefit Minnesota’s economy.  

In Minnesota, an undocumented immigrant’s annual income would increase an estimated $2,000-6,000 for full-time workers if permitted to obtain a driver’s license.6 That means more spending, boosting Minnesota’s economy for all of us.  

Increased earnings are just the most visible and direct economic impact of making driver’s licenses available to all Minnesotans. Among the indirect benefits: 

• All drivers benefit from lower auto insurance rates in states that grant undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses.7 

• In New York, research showed that newly licensed immigrants would buy and register more cars.8 
• Research in New York and Massachusetts found that government revenue increases created by permit and license fees and license renewal fees easily exceed any costs.9  
• Connecticut’s DMV collected $7.5 million in license fees over four years – offset by just $300,000 to ramp up the new license program.10
  

Driver’s Licenses For All Makes All Minnesotans Safer 

Availability of driver’s licenses is a strong incentive to improve driving skills and pass licensing tests. Like everyone else, undocumented drivers would need to pass a written and driving test to obtain a license, ensuring all drivers are certified to drive.  

Licenses for undocumented immigrants means fewer accidents. Issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants led to a 9% decrease in hit-and-runs in Connecticut11 and a 7-10% decrease in California.12 

With licenses, undocumented drivers will also be required to purchase auto insurance. After passing laws that allow undocumented drivers access to licenses, New Mexico saw its rate of uninsured drivers drop by 24%. Utah saw a similar drop of 20%.13 

As of 2018, 30,700 U.S. citizen children in Minnesota14 have undocumented parents, 2.4% of all children under 18 in the state. Undocumented immigrants with access to driver’s licenses are able to help their citizen children go to school, to the doctor, and to activities and employment, building stronger families and communities for all. 

Law enforcement supports15 creating access to driver’s licenses for all immigrants to be able to verify everyone’s identity, giving them greater ability to protect public safety. Allowing undocumented immigrants access to a license, a way to drive legally, and a way to identify themselves to law enforcement would increase trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, leading to greater collaboration and cooperation. 

Essential Workers in the Fight Against COVID-19 Need Driver’s Licenses 

When the country shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed millions of undocumented essential workers risking both their lives and the lives of their loved ones to keep our country going. They are doctors and nurses providing life-saving healthcare, farmers and grocery-store-workers protecting us from food scarcity, and teachers educating our youth virtually. 69% of undocumented immigrants work in front-line jobs16 considered “essential” to the U.S. fight against COVID-19. 

Their sacrifices helped enable America to withstand the worst pandemic since the 1918 flu pandemic. Their commitment to our nation has been invaluable. We support federal legislation to safeguard these workers by providing a path to legal residence. In Minnesota, this. legislation is needed to ensure they have safe, reliable transportation to work.  

Thank you for this opportunity to testify in favor of HF 1163, modifying requirements for a noncompliant driver’s license or Minnesota identification card to provide for driver’s licenses and identification for all Minnesota residents.  

Respectfully submitted, 

Veena Iyer, Executive Director 

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota 

CCC Hotlines and Languages

Information from the Minnesota Department of Health on 2.18.2021.

Who can sign up for the Vaccine Connector? Do I need to be eligible for a vaccine to sign up?

All Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated should sign up, no matter their current eligibility status.

Should I sign up if I have already been vaccinated?

No. Only Minnesotans who have not been vaccinated should sign up for the Vaccine Connector.

Is there an age requirement to sign up for the Vaccine Connector?

All Minnesota adults aged 18 and over are encouraged to sign up for the Vaccine Connector.

I don’t have an email or access to the Internet. How will I receive updates about when I’m eligible and get opportunities to be vaccinated?

If you do not have email or access to the Internet, you will be contacted by phone.

Can I sign up a family member for the Vaccine Connector if they don’t have email or Internet access?

Yes. You can help a family member sign up online, or you can call the Community Vaccination Program Hotline at 833-431-2053. The person being signed up will need to be present if you choose to sign up by phone.

What information do you have to provide to sign up? Is there a cost?

In order to sign up, you’ll need to provide your contact information, demographic data (like race, gender, age, and ethnicity), a few details about your medical history and your employment. The Vaccine Connector is available at no cost.

Do I only have a limited period of time to sign up for the Vaccine Connector?

No. You can sign up for the Vaccine Connector at any time.

If I signed up for the pre-registration list for the Community Vaccination Program, should I sign up for the Vaccine Connector as well?

No. If you registered through either the COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, you do not need to re-submit your information.

I’m an educator or child care provider and I was told I would hear from my employer about getting vaccinated. Should I sign up for the Vaccine Connector?

Yes. All Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated should sign up to ensure they stay updated on vaccination opportunities in their area when they become available — including educators and child care providers.

If you already completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine – Education and Child Care survey, you do not need to complete the Vaccine Connector form or re-submit your information. Educators, school staff, and child care workers will continue to hear from their local public health agency, employer, state-sponsored community vaccination site, or state vaccination partner about when and where they can get vaccinated.

I’m a health care worker and still have not been vaccinated. Should I sign up for the Vaccine Connector?

Yes. All Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated should sign up.

If I sign up for the Vaccine Connector, am I required to get vaccinated through the options sent to me?

No. If you are eligible to get vaccinated, you do not have to wait for information from the Vaccine Connector before you get your shot. If your health care provider or employer contacts you about making an appointment, or if you have another opportunity to get vaccinated, you can and should do that.

What can I expect after I sign up for the Vaccine Connector? What will happen?

You will receive an email confirmation that you have successfully signed up for the Vaccine Connector. As more vaccine becomes available, the Vaccine Connector will send you updates about your COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota.

When should I expect to hear more about my vaccine eligibility?

Minnesota is currently vaccinating health care personnel and long-term care residents, as well as adults 65 years of age and older and pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff, and child care workers.

More information about who will be included in the next phases of vaccination will be available in the coming weeks. See COVID-19 Vaccine Phases and Planning and Who’s Getting Vaccinated for more details. As vaccine supply increases in the weeks and months ahead, you will be updated about your eligibility.

Now that I am signed up for the Vaccine Connector, am I eligible to be randomly selected for an appointment through the Community Vaccination Program?

If you are 65 or older, yes. Minnesotans age 65+ who sign up for the Vaccine Connector will be automatically included in the selection process for appointments at state-run community vaccination sites. Visit the Community Vaccination Program page to learn more.

Will the Vaccine Connector schedule an appointment for me? Or should I continue to contact health care providers and pharmacies for vaccine availability?

At this time, the Vaccine Connector cannot be used to schedule appointments directly with providers or pharmacies. You should continue to contact those providers to check for vaccine availability. Use the Vaccine Locator map to find a vaccine provider near you.

When the Vaccine Connector notifies me that I am eligible to get a shot, how will I make an appointment?

Details about how to make an appointment will vary depending on the category of eligibility and vaccine supply. Specific instructions for how to make an appointment will be included with your notification from the Vaccine Connector.

Should I still be contacting my private health care provider and local pharmacy to get a vaccine?

Yes. If you are eligible under state guidelines to get a vaccine, you should continue contacting providers to check for vaccine availability. Use the Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.

Does signing up for the Vaccine Connector guarantee me an appointment?

No. The Vaccine Connector will tell you when you’re eligible, but appointments are not guaranteed. There continues to be a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota. We encourage Minnesotans to remain patient as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead.

Why are you asking about my job and medical history in the Vaccine Connector sign-up form?

In some cases, an individual’s job or medical history may determine their eligibility status in future phases of vaccine distribution. Answers to questions about your job and medical history may be used to inform you of COVID-19 vaccination updates or opportunities that are relevant to you, and to identify when you are eligible to get your vaccine.

Why are you asking about my race, gender identity and sexual orientation in the Vaccine Connector sign-up form?

The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines for protection against COVID-19. Questions about race, gender identity and sexual orientation will help us track and measure our goals for equity and fairness. These questions have the option to select “prefer not to answer” or “none of the above,” and selecting these answers will not prevent you from signing up for the Vaccine Connector.

The information we are asking you to provide about yourself is private data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. It will be used to notify you about COVID-19 vaccination updates or opportunities that are relevant to you.

Who will have access to my data?

The information you will provide is private data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. State agencies involved in vaccine planning, scheduling, and administration will have access to your information only for those purposes. Others who may have access to your information are local public health agencies, health care providers, and other persons or entities involved in COVID-19 vaccine planning, scheduling, or administration, as well as persons or entities authorized by law. The federal government will never receive individually identifiable information from the Vaccine Connector.

How do I know my data is secure?

Data submitted through the Vaccine Connector portal is well protected by MNIT’s core security protections and security monitoring program. The Vaccine Connector is part of MNIT’s enterprise government cloud environment that provides secure and reliable services to citizens and state agencies every day. This environment is designed to meet the unique and evolving compliance and security requirements from the US government and meets FedRAMP high compliance requirements.

Future versions of the Vaccine Connector will also integrate with the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), a statewide immunization information system that stores electronic immunization records. MIIC is accessible only by authorized users. The data in MIIC are classified as private and protected by the Minnesota Immunization Data Sharing Law, Minnesota Statutes, Section 144.3351. Organizations participating in MIIC must sign a user agreement that outlines the privacy and security terms for authorized users. Visit Data Privacy and MIIC Records to learn more.

Will the Vaccine Connector be integrated with the state’s immunization database for providers?

Yes. The Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) will connect to the Vaccine Connector and the two systems will share information in the future.

How do I unsubscribe from Vaccine Connector updates?

Contact our Community Vaccination Program Hotline at 833-431-2053.

 

Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector: Key Message

Press Release from Minnesota Governor’s Office

Instructional Flier on MN Vaccine Connector

Social Guidance Flier on MN Vaccine Connector

Information from the Minnesota Department of Health on 2.18.2021.

WHAT IT IS:

• The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
• When Minnesotans become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will:
  • alert them of their eligibility;
  • connect them to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
  • notify them if there are vaccine opportunities in their area.
• As Minnesotans become eligible for the vaccine, they will still make appointments directly through a registered vaccinator at this time. But the Connector is an easy way for Minnesotans to stay updated about their eligibility and find opportunities to get a shot once it’s their turn.
• Minnesotans age 65+ who sign up with the Vaccine Connector will also be automatically included in the selection process for appointments at state-run community vaccination sites.
• This tool is an important step toward connecting all Minnesotans with the vaccine, but unfortunately vaccine supply remains extraordinarily limited. The supply from the federal government simply does not come close to meeting the demand in Minnesota.
• The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector helps Minnesotans know where vaccine is in the state, find out when they are eligible to get it, and connect them to a vaccine opportunity near them — no matter where they live or their personal circumstances and will improve our ability to reach communities of color.
• We’ve developed a reliable and stable network of different ways Minnesotans can get vaccinated. We’ve mobilized health care systems, local pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, local hospitals, local public health, and state-run community vaccination sites to meet Minnesotans where they are and make sure everyone will have somewhere to go when it’s their turn and we get enough doses from the federal government.
• The Vaccine Connector will connect Minnesotans to that network once it’s their turn for a shot.

HOW TO SIGN UP:

• Signing up for the Vaccine Connector is easy, safe, and secure.
• All Minnesotans 18 years of age and older should sign up, no matter their current vaccine eligibility status.
• There will be no cost and no restricted time period for signing up.
• Health insurance and personal identification forms are not required for signing up.
• Go to gov/vaccineconnector to sign up.
• Minnesotans unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.
• Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotlines at 833-431-2053 and 651-318-0989 for assistance signing up over the phone.
• All Minnesotans have to do to sign up is provide basic information such as contact information, demographic data, medical history, and employment to determine their eligibility based on state guidelines.
• The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines for protection against COVID-19 and the Vaccine Connector form has included questions about gender identity, sexual orientation, race, cultural identification, and disabilities to help us track and measure equity and fairness throughout the vaccine distribution process. These questions do have the option to select “prefer not to answer” or “none of the above,” and selecting these answers will not prevent you from signing up for the Vaccine Connector.

Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Frequently Asked Questions

Press Release from Minnesota Governor’s Office

Instructional Flier on MN Vaccine Connector

Social Guidance Flier on MN Vaccine Connector