ID cards now available to all undocumented NYC residents

NEW YORK – Beginning January next year, all New York City residents are eligible for a new municipal ID card, regardless of their immigration status.

City officials say this NYC ID program will improve access to the Big Apple’s city services as well as attractions. The mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs says 50 percent of adult residents in NYC do not have a driver’s license. Now they can benefit from a municipal ID.

“We in the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs are deeply committed to making sure that we’re reaching the immigrant community,” said Bitta Mostofi, Director of the Municipal ID Campaign, “that many people, for various reasons, have been unable to get photo ID that allows them to do simple things we often take for granted.”

City officials say the card will grant access to all city buildings, help residents interact with their local government, and ensure access to city services to the fullest extent the city can allow.

Even the NYPD has agreed to recognize the card as a valid identification for interactions with the police.

Rey Canunayon campaigned for the passage of the New York municipal ID. For seven years now, he says his pending application for green card has not been approved because of the broken immigration system. He says he will benefit from this ID program.

“The municipal ID signifies that we are coming out into the open and become responsible part of society, we identify ourselves, that we are no longer in the shadows,” said Canunayon. “In that context, the city government is welcoming us to come out in the open and be counted as New Yorkers.”

Getting the municipal ID

Getting the ID is easy. Just show proof of identity such as your foreign or Philippine passport and proof of New York residency, such as utility bills or apartment leases. There is no fee for the card, at least for the first year of implementation, and is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Immigration status will not be asked, and there will be no distinguishing mark on the applicant’s legal status on the card.

“If you’re undocumented at wala kang kahit anong ID, you’re more vulnerable, kaya mahalagang i-take advantage ng mga undocumented nating kababayan itong municipal ID at kahit na documented,” said Gary Labao, a NYC resident. “I think it’s important na kumuha tayo nito para hindi rin maintimidate yung mga kababayan nating undocumented.”

The only limitation is that it is valid only in the five boroughs of New York City and may not be accepted in airports outside of New York City.