In an effort spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has expanded the types of documentation that can be used to apply for its municipal residency ID card, IDNYC. The new rules increase the variety of documents that immigrants, including those without legal status, can present to prove city residency.
The program is intended to assist individuals in accessing services such as housing and healthcare. The change permits the use of 23 additional forms of identification, including expired driver’s licenses and prior documents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Prisons.
First introduced in 2015 under the Bill de Blasio administration, IDNYC was designed to provide all New Yorkers, from age 10 onwards, with identification that facilitates better access to city services. Access to IDNYC has been expanded as a response to the ongoing migrant influx, with over 1.7 million cards issued since its inception.
However, the IDNYC program has faced ongoing criticism from the public and federal lawmakers like Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who argues that it undermines federal immigration law and presents security concerns. Critics express apprehension about the absence of thorough vetting processes and the potential destruction of documentation that could aid investigations.
City officials plan to hold a public hearing on March 28 to address any adjustments needed for the ID program.
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