Thread: CA Oakland council approves municipal ID program

Oakland council approves municipal ID program
By Kelly Rayburn, Oakland Tribune
Posted: 06/03/2009 07:25:25 AM PDT
Updated: 06/03/2009 08:28:15 AM PDT

Oakland would distribute municipal identification cards to undocumented immigrants and others who may have trouble obtaining state identification under a plan approved in concept by the City Council late Tuesday.

The city would follow New Haven, Conn., and San Francisco in issuing the city ID cards which, supporters say, would boost civic participation and cooperation with law enforcement, and would send a welcoming message to all of Oakland's residents --no matter their immigration status.

"This is a city that's always been a gateway city for immigrants," said Councilmember Jean Quan (Montclair-Laurel), who introduced the proposal with Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente (Glenview-Fruitvale). "We are proud of that."

While the council gave its support to the notion of city ID cards, the program won't be launched before council members approve a specific implementation plan that will include figures on what the program will cost.

Council chambers were crowded Tuesday with supporters -- and some opponents -- of the proposal, which sparked some of the passions that often surround the hot-button issue of illegal immigration.

Supporters held signs reading, "No Human Being is Illegal" and "ID Cards for all Oaklanders." Some hissed when opponents spoke against the program.

'If they need an ID card let them go to the DMV and get one," said Paul Farmer, 62, a member of the Golden Gate Minutemen, who said illegal immigrants should not be afforded Oakland ID cards.

The council's vote was a victory for the Oakland City ID Card Coalition, which began work on a program last year. Coalition members called the proposal key to public safety and equality.

"Having a large community of residents who aren't reporting crime and aren't reporting serious housing violations and employment violations -- it really hurts all of Oakland," said Jesse Newmark, a staff attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza and a member of the coalition.

While the program will likely carry some upfront costs, supporters say they hope it will end up either cost neutral or even beneficial to the city, since a fee will be charged for the ID cards.

City staff is expected to put a plan together in the next eight to ten weeks on how to implement the program.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12509285

I thought California was broke? Somehow there is always money for Illegals and none for American citizens.

...and you will soon see illegals will have it ALL, your land, your homes, your cars, your food and to the U.S. citizens and your children you will live in poverty, starve and die

Oakland is set to become the third U.S. city to issue identification cards to all its residents, including illegal immigrants.

The city council approved the proposal Tuesday, but it won't start until council members approve a plan for implementing it, The Oakland Tribune reported. The intent is to help anyone who may have trouble obtaining a state-issued ID.

New Haven, Connecticut, has a similar program, and San Francisco began issuing cards in January after a judge tossed out a lawsuit alleging the program aids and abets illegal immigration.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525 ... latestnews