Thread: Tucson Group wants city ID cards to protect illegal aliens

55 minutes 51 seconds ago by Ryan Haarer

Group wants city ID cards to protect undocumented immigrants

TUCSON - When police in Arizona make contact with someone who does not have identification they can call immigration enforcement. The Protection Network Coalition in Tucson wants to arm the undocumented with city identification cards to prevent those investigations among other benefits.

"(There are) people being taken away to immigration detention and being held in custody and being separated from their families," said Raul Alcaraz Ochoa, an immigration rights activist behind the effort.

Pat Sexton, president of the Arizona Latino Republican Association, migrated to this country legally years ago. She says a city ID is a slap in the face to those who follow the rules.

"We don't care who comes in to this country, we're going to welcome, quote on quote everybody, which we do. We are a very welcoming country, as long as you follow the rules," said Sexton.

Modeled after a similar program in Oakland the Tucson ID could be used as a bus pass, in health clinics, or even as a bank card. Most importantly it would be recognized by all city services including law enforcement.

"You won't have people living in the shadows, living anonymously in fear," said Alcaraz Ochoa.

He hopes more undocumented people will step up to call police during emergencies and cooperate in police investigations instead of living in fear of deportation. Sexton doesn't think the ID will compel those people to get involved with police.

"Many more people are getting a pass. They're being told they're not going to get deported. So that's a red herring right there."

The plan outlined by the coalition admits there will be significant startup costs. They hope the city will pursue grants to cover the price tag. Pat says the city has bigger fish to fry, like a $33 million budget deficit.

"The infrastructure; there are buildings that need repair and this seems to take precedent. How can that be?" said Sexton.

But dreamers and the undocumented feel this has to work, for security and a better sense of community.

Talks about the city ID are in very early stages. Councilmember Regina Romero's office has been speaking with the Protection Network Coalition about the implementation of these ID's. While she thinks the cards would be great for the economy she is not sure the city should take this on. She thinks it may be better for the county to take on the program to cover more people and more services.

http://www.kvoa.com/news/group-wants...ed-immigrants/

Pat Sexton, president of the Arizona Latino Republican Association, migrated to this country legally years ago. She says a city ID is a slap in the face to those who follow the rules.

It is for undocumented/illegals, If they followed the rules, they wouldn't be here illegally!

If families are being separated then let them all go back to their original Country. No one is twisting their arms to stay while other members of the family are deported. They keep rehashing the same old crap. It is their own fault for taking the risk of coming here, yet they try to make us feel guilty for THEIR choices. Well, it's not working!