Michigan law bars some IMGs from driving

The medical society fears some international medical graduates might avoid accepting residencies in the state.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. Feb. 18, 2008.

Imagine being allowed to practice medicine but not being allowed to drive. That's what some Michigan physicians are facing.

Under a new state law that took effect Jan. 22, doctors in Michigan on a visa cannot get a new driver's license. That's because a law intended to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining a driver's license also prevents legal residents on student or work visas, including physicians, from getting a license.

Previously, illegal immigrants could get a license in the state. But the new measure permits only U.S. citizens and permanent residents to obtain one. That means doctors and others in the state on J-1, H1-B and similar visas no longer can get a license.

The law impacts those seeking a new license, though rule changes for renewals are anticipated soon.

The Michigan State Medical Society wants the law amended. MSMA President AppaRao Mukkamala, MD, said the measure could have a negative impact on Michigan's resident programs because many residents are international medical graduates here on visas.

"We're fighting this one," he said. "It will affect our physicians in training, and most of the residents in my part of the state are on J-1s or H1-Bs."

Data from the American Medical Association show that more than 1,600 of Michigan's 4,300 residents were IMGs in 2006-07. Because the law applies to people seeking a new license, first-year IMGs are the most likely group of doctors to be impacted.