Dane County residents could have new ID option

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by Amelia Vorpahl
Monday, September 17, 2007

Residents of Dane County who rely on a consulate ID card, passport or birth certificate as personal identification may soon be able to apply for a county-issued ID.

The proposed ID could be used for a number of public services, such as checking out a book at the library or opening a bank account.

The idea, which was initiated by the Immigrant Workers’ Union, has recently gained the support of Dane County Board Supervisor Ashok Kumar, who said the program has yet to gain full approval from the board.

The county-issued ID would be a way to combat the Real ID Act of 2005, legislation that, among other things, will make it impossible for a nonresident to receive a driver’s license.

Since its conception, many immigrants have been protesting against the act, calling it discriminatory.

“The reality is that there’s a lot of families that are vulnerable to abuse because they have no way to identify themselves,â€