Case: Rhode Island ACLU v. Najarian

PC20052572 | Rhode Island state trial court

Filed Date: May 15, 2005

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 15, 2005, the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and the advocacy group Direct Action for Rights and Equality filed suit in the Superior Court of Providence, Rhode Island, challenging the practice of the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles requiring an applicant to have a valid Social Security Number in order to obtain a state driver's license. Plaintiffs maintained that the practice adversely affected the ability of immigrants in the state, many of whom lived in Providence and worked elsewhere, to obtain driver's licenses. Plaintiffs' complaint alleged violations of the state Administrative Procedure Act, R.I.G.L. § 42-35-1 and sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

According to the RI ACLU website, the DMV proposed formal rules and held a public hearing on them. The plaintiffs then voluntarily dismissed the suit. We have no further information on the case.

Summary Authors

Elizabeth Daligga (7/17/2012)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Lyons, Thomas W. (Rhode Island)

Attorney for Plaintiff

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

PC20052572

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Rhode Island Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union v. Najarian

May 20, 2005

May 20, 2005

Complaint

ACLU Sues DMV Over Driver's License Procedure for Immigrants

Rhode Island Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union v. Najarian

No Court

May 23, 2005

May 23, 2005

Press Release

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:37 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Rhode Island

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 15, 2005

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and the advocacy group Direct Action for Rights and Equality

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles, State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Issues

General:

Drivers Licenses

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Discrimination-basis:

National origin discrimination

Immigration/Border:

Status/Classification

Undocumented immigrants - state and local regulation