Undocumented immigrants lined up by the hundreds when San Francisco launched municipal ID cards in 2009 — providing a preview of what’s in store for New York City’s proposed program.
In San Francisco, where more than 10,000 people now have ID cards, applicants must show up in person, present identification (foreign passports and other documents are accepted) and proof of residency, such as a lease or utility bill.
Applicants pay between $5 and $15, depending on age, and are issued a photo ID on the spot.
San Francisco’s program mimics that of New Haven, Conn. — which in 2007 launched the first municipal ID program in the country and has issued about 15,000 cards.
Advocates said the New York program — announced by Mayor de Blasio on Monday — will provide government-issued ID cards to undocumented immigrants, the homeless and anyone else who has trouble getting official forms of identification.
The IDs are intended to make it easier for undocumented immigrants and other disenfranchised residents to open bank accounts, use the library, get access to health care and go into government buildings and public schools.
Opponents questioned why the city was treading on federal turf.
The Foundation for American Immigration Reform said ID cards “aid and abet illegal immigration” and maybe terrorism.
“New York was the target of the 9/11 terror attacks and [the feds] have said the ability of the hijackers to gain access to government-issued identification was instrumental in carrying out the attacks,” said FAIR spokesman Ira Mehlman, who questioned making ID more readily available.