Politics & Government

POLL: Should Legal Proof of Residence be Required to Register a Car?

After the Supreme Court struck down most of Arizona's anti-immigration law, Gov. Deval Patrick is looking closely at the wording in a new budget provision.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick recently approved the majority of the 2013 state budget, however there were a few parts that he chose to veto or amend. One of them was wording that would require a proof of legal residence for anyone looking to register a car.

"Patrick did not veto the provision outright, but instead asked lawmakers to consider an amended version. While the bulk of the revised language in the amendment was the same, a key change would remove the phrase 'proof of legal residence' and replace it with 'proof of residence in the commonwealth,'" an article on boston.com said.

According to the article, Patrick said he would not go along with efforts to compel state authorities to enforce U.S. immigration laws .

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"The recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court, striking down most of Arizona's anti-immigrant law, underscores the importance of states treading lightly in this federal space," the governor wrote in a letter to lawmakers.

The legislation that led to this being included in the budget was presented to the House and Senate in September.

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, the legislation is intended to address, "to the extent possible, those issues under the control of the commonwealth. Absent a comprehensive federal solution to legal and illegal immigration, the commonwealth should act to protect its interests, and the interests of, and impacts upon, its residents."

What do you think about the change in wording? Do you think legal residence is important for registration?


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