Immigration (DACA & Dreamers)

SB 44 makes it a crime for non-citizens to enter Michigan without legal status or remain after being denied entry or deported, with penalties ranging from up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fines for first offenses (misdemeanor) to up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 fines for repeat or aggravated violations (felony). The bill creates exceptions for those with federal protections like DACA approval (2012-2021), asylum, or lawful U.S. presence, and prohibits arrests at schools, churches, or healthcare facilities for these violations. It allows courts to issue written orders requiring non-citizens to leave Michigan instead of jail time, provided they agree and have no prior felony convictions under this law. The bill also grants legal immunity to state/local officials enforcing it and requires fingerprinting for individuals charged under the law.

HB 4195 would remove the requirement that Michigan driver's license applicants prove U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. It amends key sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (specifically 257.50a, 257.51a, and others) to eliminate this eligibility barrier. The bill would directly affect residents seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license in Michigan, allowing anyone legally residing in the state to apply without verifying immigration status. This change would update the state's licensing process to remove the previous citizenship or legal presence requirement.