Today the New York City Council voted on a bill to establish a New York City Identity Card. Carlos Menchaca co-sponsored the legislation.
"This is an historic moment for us in our City. The precident setting is a model for the rest of the country, for muncipalities to rethink how they can engage their residents."
Any resident living within the five boroughs will be able to have a municipal id.
Bill co-sponsor Danny Dromme said, "A New York City ID for all will in many ways help make the lives of all New Yorkers easier, from the homeless families in Sunset Park to the transgender youth in Jackson Heights."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “My office handles many constituent cases each year from undocumented residents and their families, and many of them are afraid to cooperate with city government and the police for fear of reprisal. This proposal will bring this community out of the shadows, making our city safer for everyone."
“I know what it is to not have an ID, and I know this card will go a long way to building trust and confidence with immigrant communities and local authorities.” said Juan Carlos Gomez, an undocumented member of Make the Road New York.
Councilmember Margaret Chin reminded the body of the id's usefulness. She said 60 percent of New Yorkers, like her, don’t have drivers licenses and will be happy to have the id's.
The card will include, at a minimum, the cardholder’s photo, name, date of birth, address, and an expiration date. Applicants will be able to elect to include his or her self-designated gender.
Mayor de Blasio said, "My administration is fully ready to develop this plan and to swiftly implement a secure and accessible Municipal ID Card program.”
City agencies would be required to accept the card where id is needed for access to city services.