Prior to 2008, Oregonians simply had to show proof of state residency to apply for a license. The tragedy of 9/11, however, sparked a flurry of national security concerns, culminating in the Federal Real ID Act (2005). Oregon responded by implementing stricter requirements for licenses in 2008, forcing all applicants to provide their Social Security number and citizenship status in addition to proof of residency. Thus, over the last five years, thousands of licenses have expired for undocumented Oregonians, stranding them with no recourse but to drive illegally. For many of these men and women, they have had to choose between keeping their jobs and obeying the law.

Whether or not these individuals are legally allowed to live and work in the United States, the fact of the matter is that they reside here in Oregon. For the past five years, these people have lived among us as ordinary citizens forced to make an unusual decision: drive without a license or rely on other means of transportation? One can immediately see the absurdity of this situation. Driving without a license, and consequently without insurance, threatens the safety of our roads and throws additional costs upon insured drivers when accidents occur. Relying on other forms of transportation, meanwhile, is ludicrous in many parts of the state because of the lack of mass transportation. This latter point is especially relevant in eastern Oregon, where rural communities do not have extensive bus systems; these communities also employ a disproportionate number of undocumented workers.

Furthermore, driving without a license has increased the vulnerability of undocumented Oregonians by bringing their immigration status before the law. The subsequent rise in deportations has engendered local distrust towards law enforcement officials. Distrust of the law discourages undocumented people from reporting crimes, and spawns the growth of criminal activity and the exploitation of undocumented Oregonians.

Thankfully, the new driver cards ensure that all responsible drivers are able to drive, regardless of their legal status. Oregon lawmakers herald this bipartisan law for advancing public safety. Here at OCCV, we hail it for contributing to a greater level of equality. It is unjust that some of our own friends and neighbors are unable to drive a car to work, church, or the store. These people consider Oregon their home. As Christians and fellow Oregonians, we do not support any systemic oppression of our neighbors, documented or not. Moreover, we support this new law because it seeks to heal some of the animosity between communities of undocumented residents and law enforcement. Bridging this divide is key to combating human trafficking and wage theft, crimes arising from the easy exploitation of a target population.

Oregon lawmakers and Gov. Kitzhaber recognized the injustice, hazards, and vulnerability perpetuated by the 2008 law. Looking forward, Oregon now paves a way for undocumented citizens to better contribute to our beloved state. No one should be forced to choose between doing what is right and earning a living.

Watch this trailer for the powerful film American Winter, produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Jo and Harry Gantz. American Winter follows the stories of Portland-area families deeply impacted by the recent economic downturn. Click here to watch the full documentary now (first aired on March 18, 2013).

Tuition equity effectively lowers college tuition for non-citizen, Oregon residents who qualify for entrance into state colleges. According to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Dembrow (D-Portland), HB2787 improves access to and affordability of higher education, producing a more inclusive and successful workforce.

While in the House, HB 2787 stirred contention along partisan lines. Representatives debated whether the current bill fully addresses issues concerning affected students, particularly with regards to establishing a sunset clause for the program and requiring participants’ enrollment in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Republican opponents of HB 2787 noted concerns about the fiscal impact of tuition equity, such as the number of students the bill would actually assist. The tuition equity bill does not address additional costs of higher education such as housing, books, and transportation. Opponents therefore pushed for the adoption of a minority report (substitute bill) that would establish tuition equity on a trial basis in order to gage its effectiveness. Furthermore, this minority report would require participants to enroll in the federal DACA program to ensure that they would be able to obtain legal employment during and following their university years.

Democratic proponents of HB 2787 soundly rejected the minority report. They cited the current bill’s support from all Oregon state university presidents and multiple newspaper editorial boards, not to mention the majority of the House committee that wrote the bill. In the end, the House chose to accept the current bill and move Oregon one step closer to a more educated workforce and a more equitable society.

of David! Thus says the Lord: ‘Execute justice in the morning, and deliver from

the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed, lest my wrath go forth

like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of your evil deeds.’”

Jeremiah 21:11-12

mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let

him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the

Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For

in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 9:23-24

that the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 16:20

by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give

him his wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a great house with spacious

upper rooms,’ who cuts out windows for it, paneling it with cedar and

painting it with vermilion. Do you think you are a king because you compete

in silver? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness?

Then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it

was well. Is not this to know me? declares the Lord. But you have eyes and

heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for

practicing oppression and violence.”

Jeremiah 22:13-17

him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

Luke 14:15

Isaiah 58:6-12

have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner

without justice. And I sought for a man among them who should build up the

wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy

it, but I found none. Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them.

I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way

upon their heads, declares the Lord God.

Ezekiel 22:29-31