NYC Extends Benefits to Undocumented Immigrants With Municipal ID Program

New York City authorities begin the municipal identification card program that will give thousands of undocumented immigrants an opportunity to access key social services across the city.

MOSCOW, January 13 (Sputnik) — New York City has officially launched the nation’s largest municipal identification card program, which will enable thousands of undocumented immigrants to access key services in the city, US news outlets reported.

"It's more than an ID card, it's an affirmation. You are a New Yorker," New York's first Hispanic City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, said at a Monday news conference.

The IDNYC card, launched Monday, is available to New Yorkers above 14 years of age, which includes around 500,000 immigrants. To be eligible, a person must prove they live in one of the city’s five boroughs by presenting a utility bill, school registration or similar document.

However, local authorities caution that the card does not constitute federal identification.

The program will benefit not only undocumented immigrants but also the elderly and the homeless. By using the IDNYC card, New Yorkers who do not have state IDs will now be able to access museums and public libraries, open bank accounts and receive discounts on some prescription medicines.