One American City OKs ID Card for Immigrants

City leaders in Phoenix recently voted by a narrow margin to create a city photo ID card for those city residents who face barriers to obtaining conventional government-issued identification. The ID card will assist not only undocumented immigrants, but also homeless and transgender individuals in accessing much-needed services on a daily basis. For instance, individuals may be able to use the card to open bank accounts or cash checks. Although the ID card will not be a primary form of identification, such as a state driver’s license, it will be a secondary form of identification. The card resembles an employee photo ID card, and it can list biometric information, such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color. Local government leaders entered into a contract with SF Global, a private financial company, who will produce the IDs and maintain a database of the issued cards. The ID card program will launch February 1, 2017, with preregistration beginning in December. SF Global and local leaders expect to issue about 10,000 ID cards over the next year. Another benefit of the ID card is the sense of community and belonging that it will bring to cardholders. As a result, leaders are hoping that undocumented immigrants will be more apt to report crimes, which currently tend to go unreported. Not everyone agrees with these potential benefits, however. A conservative wing of the city government leadership fiercely opposed the program, and it is likely that conservatives will attempt to block the program at the state level. According to detractors of the program, the ID card is unnecessary, as the state will not recognize what is not a primary form of identification. Others argue that the ID card will encourage identity theft and illegal immigration, as well as making it harder for legal residents to access jobs and services. Despite these advances in immigration policy in Phoenix and elsewhere in the U.S., the fact remains that many individuals are subject to deportation by immigration officials due to their lack of a legal immigration status. If you are facing deportation, you need the help of Oakland deportation defense attorneys who can advocate on your behalf and help you work toward a legal immigration status. At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we are here to help you maintain the life that you have worked so hard to build with your family in the United States. Take the first step by calling our office at (510) 756-4468 as quickly as possible, and schedule a free evaluation today.