Immigrant groups, Mass. officials to meet in Fitchburg in last of forums on reforms

Better access to health care, more money for English as a Second Language programs, and work permits were repeated themes during a state-sponsored immigration forum Wednesday.

But the loudest cheer came when Fitchburg Police Chief Robert DeMoura pleaded with a governor's task force to seek changes to state and federal law to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses. "My officers want to know when we stop someone who that person is," DeMoura told the panel of 15. "Let's start with the simple things."

The comments draw a standing ovation from the 180 or so in attendance.

"It was a surprise," Dolores Thibault-Muñoz said of DeMoura's comment.

"Here was a law enforcement officer getting a standing ovation from a room full of people of color. It was unique."

Since last year, a panel appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick has traveled around the state to hear about possible immigration reform from immigrants and their advocates. For the most part, said Richard Chacon, executive director of the state Office of Refugees and Immigrants, the panelists heard recurring themes such as better access to health care and education.

But Nicole Tambouret, a project coordinator with the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, who helped organized the forums, said obtaining driver's licenses was a popular subject at the Fitchburg event because the city is so far from Boston.

"It's not like they are in an area with a lot of public transportation," said Tambouret. "They need a way to get around."

Tambouret said about 1,200 people have attended the five forums. Wednesday's meeting was the last one.

Jose Quintana, 55, an immigrant from Uruguay who lives in Fitchburg, asked the panelists to look for ways to help undocumented immigrant students get in-state tuition. "These are students who lived here for most of these lives and have gone through high school," Quintana said later. "They want to continue with their education."

The task force has until July 1 to give recommendations to Patrick, said Chacon.