The city council of the state of New York has decided to vote this month on two plans which would essentially aid immigrants. The first plan includes providing all New York residents with a municipal identification card, regardless of their legal status. This plan is in great debate since this identification card would technically allow undocumented immigrants to use the cards as proof of residence to open bank accounts, sign leases, as well as other perks that come to those who are legal residents.
Supporters of the bill are determined to make sure the card would be identifiable by New York police officials in order to avoid a problem if someone is stopped by law enforcement. Another concern is the increased risk for potential documentation fraud. The council plans to find a viable way to alleviate these concerns and implement the program in 2015.
The city council will also be discussing a separate plan, which includes financial assistance for immigrants who are in need of legal representation by providing them with an immigration attorney. If approved, this plan would provide “pro bono” legal assistance to all undocumented immigrants residing in New York, aiding them in their fight against detainment, deportation or removal proceedings.
It has been recorded that these public defenders would be representing approximately 1,380 detained, and/or poor New Yorkers who are facing deportation. This would make New York the first and only area in the United States to have a fully covered public defender system in order to specifically assist poor immigrants in removal proceedings.
If both of these plans are approved, New York will continue to be the most accommodating state in the U.S. for immigrants. City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, has stated that he hopes these measures will inspire other cities and states to help their residents. As a result, Los Angeles, New Haven, and San Francisco are also taking measures to assist immigrants within their vicinities as well.
