We recently wrote about Mayor de Blasio’s proposal to introduce a new “City ID” card for New York City. We are thrilled to announce that today, the New York City Council has formally voted by 43-3 to approve these plans.

The "City ID" program will make identification cards available to all city residents -- regardless of citizenship status, race, or economic means and it will be accepted as proof of identity by all city agencies, as well as a number of key institutions throughout the city. The new City ID will, for instance, smooth interactions with city agencies, and likely allow thousands of undocumented New Yorkers to check out library books, sign leases and open bank accounts. It will also give many of the city’s most vulnerable residents much greater confidence when they interact and engage with city law enforcement agencies.

The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) has been on the front lines of this initiative. Our recent report surveyed the results of similar programs in other municipalities. The report found that municipal ID programs play a consistently positive role in empowering and protecting vulnerable communities. The report also found that beyond their practical value, the cards hold symbolic importance in creating a sense of shared community and belonging for immigrants and other marginalized individuals. 

CPD, working closely with our partners at Make the Road New York and many others, has been proud to lead a strong, diverse coalition of allies who have worked with city officials over recent months to pass this bill. We would like to express our gratitude to all those who have helped make this bill possible. In particular, we want to recognize the invaluable leadership of Council Members Danny Dromm and Carlos Menchaca, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

New York City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, quoted in yesterday’s New York Times, said of the bill: “The city is sending a strong message to its residents that we have your back.”

We couldn’t agree more.