What Happened?
New York City recently launched a municipal ID program to provide proof of residency and identification to all city dwellers.
Goal
Many occupants of New York City do not have formal documentation that prove there are residents. Undocumented immigrants, homeless and others are unable to take advantage of many city services due to a lack of municipal identification. By providing them to all residents, New York City hopes to improve the quality of life and access to services, The New York Times reported.
Not only will the municipal IDs provide individuals with proof of residency, but also offer:
- Discounts for prescription drugs
- Access to city buildings
- Free memberships to zoos and museums
- Access to the public library system
- Form of identification for opening a bank account
The free IDNYC cards are available to all New Yorkers over the age of 14 that apply at various enrollment centers after setting up an appointment online. To apply, individuals must prove residency and identity with documentation such as passports, birth certificates or driver’s license.
After a strong initial response to the municipal ID program, Mayor de Blasio has added additional funding to the city’s budget to support more staff and resources to accommodate demand. Three weeks after the program launched, more than 250,000 card application appointments had been made. With responses exceeding expectations, the city is allocating $5 million more to the project for staffing needs, The New York Times reported.
Why Municipal IDs
The Center for Popular Democracy believes municipal ID programs are a vital component to immigration reform by creating a sense of inclusion and accessibility for immigrant residents at the local level. The center breaks down the main goals of any municipal ID program:
- Improve community safety by making it easier for those without ID to interact with local authorities
- Improve access to financial services
- Mitigate impact of racial profiling
- Make a symbolic statement of welcome and solidarity for all members of the community
- Promote unity and membership with all residents
Immigrant families can use the ID cards to tap into public services and resources that can be useful in acquiring a job, opening a bank account and enhancing the education of adults and children.
Other ID Program Models
While The IDNYC card program is the largest municipal ID project in the country, it is modeled after San Francisco’s ID initiative that has been in operation for seven years. The SF City ID program provides city residents with streamlined access to public programs and local businesses. In addition, the IDs offer:
- Proof of identity and residency
- Cardholder information such as medical conditions or allergies
- Emergency contact information
- Discounts on city excursions, restaurants, museums, etc
- Public library access
- ID to open a bank account
- Id to open a family account with the Parks and Recreation Department
New Haven, Connecticut, also offers the Elm City Resident Card program. Residents with the ID card can enjoy special events and promotions throughout the city offered by local businesses and restaurants.
Strengthening the Community
Gov1 has reported on a growing number of community development initiatives that focus on sustainable change and innovation.