Thread: Phoenix council OKs ID cards for illegal aliens

Phoenix council OKs ID cards for undocumented immigrants

Dustin Gardiner, The Republic | azcentral.com
6 p.m. MST August 31, 2016


(Photo: The Republic)

Phoenix leaders voted 5-4 Wednesday to create a city photo-identification card that would be available to undocumented immigrants and others who face barriers obtaining valid government ID.

Supporters say the ID will help many residents — including those who are homeless, immigrants and transgender — who have problems getting the ID they need to access services or go about everyday tasks.

Similar to a bank card or employee badge issued by a private entity, the city ID will be a secondary form of identification.

The card could list biometric information such as height, weight and hair and eye color, but it will not be a primary ID, like a driver's license or birth certificate.

The council vote came after a lengthy debate on security concerns and the card's ability to make the city "inclusive" to all residents. Council members approved entering into a contract with SF Global, a private financial company, to produce the IDs and manage a database of cardholders.

The ID card program is expected to launch Feb. 1, with preregistration starting in December. Phoenix and the company expect about 10,000 people to sign up for the card in the first year.

Members of the One Phx ID coalition, who've spent two years advocating for a city card, said it will help many residents do things like open a bank account, cash checks and visit their children's schools.

"In our community, this means something," said Councilwoman Laura Pastor, who supported the ID and represents parts of west and central Phoenix with large immigrant populations. “And it means that they belong to our community and our city."

Advocates for the ID also said it will encourage undocumented residents and others to report violent crimes.

Although the police department cannot require witnesses or victims to show ID, city officials said, they can ask for it voluntarily.

ID card has its detractors

The city's vote came with fierce opposition, and conservative state lawmakers likely will try to block the city's move.

Opponents argue the ID is unnecessary because it won't be a primary form of identification recognized by the state. Some critics also contend a city ID will enable identity theft or encourage illegal immigration, making it harder for legal residents to get jobs and access social services.

Councilman Jim Waring, who voted against the ID program, questioned why the city would allow applicants for the card to use a foreign passport to help establish their identity.

"Willy-nilly giving Phoenix IDs to foreign nationals," Waring said, "What could go wrong?"

Echoing concerns about identity theft, Arizona Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, has said he plans to reintroduce a bill to prohibit cities from creating such an ID card. That bill narrowly failed in the state Senate last session.

Phoenix officials have said holders of the ID could not use it to establish lawful presence in the United States, get a job, register to vote, obtain state or local welfare benefits or gain housing assistance.

Mayor Greg Stanton, Vice Mayor Kate Gallego and council members Pastor, Michael Nowakowski and Daniel Valenzuela supported the ID card program.

Waring and council members Debra Stark, Sal DiCiccio and Thelda Williams voted no.

Program 'cost neutral' to taxpayers

The program will be "cost neutral" to taxpayers because cardholders will pay a $30 fee, the city said.

In addition to being a secondary form of ID, the card will function as a city library card, and the city hopes to eventually link other services, such as recreation centers and golf courses. That could take two to three years.

Phoenix will be the first Arizona city to offer a municipal ID, but other large cities — including New York, San Francisco and Oakland — have made municipal IDs available regardless of immigration status.

To obtain a Phoenix ID card, applicants will have to prove their identity and that they live in the city. Documents the city will use to establish identity include a foreign passport or government photo ID, credit card, employee ID badge and medical insurance card. Applicants will need at least two identity documents, including one with their photo and one with their date of birth.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/...nted/89613748/

Pheonix Votes to Create ID Cards for illegals