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Question about international students getting driver's license in Michigan

I've received many questions and concerns about a recent policy of Michigan, that international students can no longer obtain a driver's license in Michigan.

While I understand your concern, I would like to assure you that this is by no mean a sign of "not-welcoming international students" from either UM or the state of Michigan. International students and scholars are a critical part of UM family. The International Center in UM, along with many other Michigan universities engaged in discussions with the State of Michigan Secretary of State's office and with Legislature of the State of Michigan to ensure that they clearly understand the impact of this change and the importance of providing a means for people who are legally in theUnited States to obtain Michigan driver's licenses as soon as they are informed of this policy.

As of Feb. 15th, legislation to REMOVE this requirement has just been passed by the Michigan House and Senate, and provided that Governor Granholm signs
the bill (which she is expected to do), the new legislation should take effect soon. U-M's international students, scholars, faculty and staff will then once
again be able to apply for Michigan driver's licenses.

The new law is very supportive of international students, and that the old law was just confusing, as opposed to being against international students. And I believe that the "improper" policy is a mistake due to wrongful wording.

In general, don't worry much. I have heard that folks in International Center are optimistics that the new procedure will be taken place before Fall semester this year.

PS:
The text of the bill just passed by the Michigan Legislature is at
http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2007-HB-4505
You can also find updates to this issue here:
http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/

Posted by chanwei on March 04, 2008 at 06:52 PM | Comments (1)