A bill to be introduced in City Council today would establish a New York City municipal ID card that could be used to access basic services across the five boroughs. “It’s not a driver’s license,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivierto, who supports the legislation, adding that the card would allow New Yorkers to enter places like libraries and schools.
Though the card would most benefit undocumented New Yorkers without another form of ID, it will be available to everyone who lives in the city if the bill becomes law. And while the prospect of handing your name and information over to the city government might be frightening for an undocumented immigrant, the legislation bars the city from holding any data from the cards. “The city shall not retain originals or copies of records provided by an applicant to prove identity or residency for a New York City identity card,” the bill reads, according to Capital New York. “The city shall not disclose personal information obtained from applicant for a New York city ID card to any public or private entity … including federal, state, or city immigration or law enforcement.”
(Photo: Wikipedia)
