Should Phoenix ID Be Open to Undocumented Immigrants?

Arizona Republic (Arizona)

By Dustin Gardiner

May 7, 2015

Should Phoenix ID be open to undocumented immigrants? 

Phoenix is exploring a single municipal identification card that would allow access to city services and public transit; a move that could provide valid IDs to thousands of undocumented immigrants.

City Council members voted recently to continue researching the logistics of starting such a program. The vote allows city staff to determine its potential costs, any legal issues, how personal data will be stored and technological demands.

The proposal, being pushed by a coalition of advocacy groups, is to create a unified ID card that allows Phoenix residents to more conveniently access the city's light-rail or bus systems, public libraries, recreation and community centers, senior centers and golf courses.

But the card could function as much more than that for some residents. Supporters want it to include each resident's photograph and personal stats, such as age, height and weight, so it can be presented as a valid form of identification in other settings.

Supporters say the IDs would benefit many residents who struggle to obtain valid identification, such as the homeless, undocumented immigrants and transgender people, who could select the gender of their preference. Advocates say providing IDs would make the city safer because once people in those communities have identification, they might be more willing to approach police.

Critics, however, call the proposal an attempt to skirt federal and state immigration laws and provide government benefits to those in the country illegally. They have also raised concerns that it would cost cash-strapped Phoenix money and encourage identity theft.

It is unclear what kind of documentation would have to be presented to receive a Phoenix ID or if the council would make it available to those who aren't in the country legally. Meanwhile, some council members want to create a card that merely provides access to services, not another form of ID.

Every week, The Republic asks Phoenix City Council members and the mayor to respond to a question about an issue affecting city government.

We asked: If Phoenix creates a municipal ID card, would you support making it available to undocumented immigrants who live in the city?

Here are their responses.

"It is important to focus on what the council approved. I support the direction we have given staff, to explore a potential efficiency that could save taxpayers money and provide a better level of service to our customers. After staff does their research, we can have a conversation on what makes sense for our residents. I am fully in support of innovations and efficiencies that will continue to move Phoenix forward. Progress is a good thing."

— Daniel Valenzuela, vice mayor (District 5),parts of west and central Phoenix

"The Phoenix municipal ID card that is currently being proposed is illegal. Only the state of Arizona can issue legal identification cards. What started out as a good idea to save money and consolidating multiple Phoenix service cards has been hijacked. The Mayor and others have turned this issue into a political fiasco that could now cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Once again, this situation proves just like the financially-troubled Sheraton and the new proposed tax increase for trains, what happens when you lose your focus on fiscal accountability and responsibility."

— Sal DiCiccio, District 6,Ahwatukee and east Phoenix

"Yes. To clarify, the city is not proposing a municipal ID — council authorized staff to research a Unified Services Card to serve as a single-card system for access to city services. The Unified Services Card would save the city money and create efficiency and convenience for residents who would no longer be required to carry multiple cards to use at Phoenix golf courses, libraries, community centers and others. Proof of residency within Phoenix is required when requesting access to a city service. Therefore, anyone who is a resident of Phoenix would be eligible to receive a Unified Services Card."

— Michael Nowakowski, District 7, southwest Phoenix and parts of downtown

"No. The city could potentially spend millions in start-up costs and millions more in annual costs to produce a card that would not serve as valid identification to police officers, according to information presented to the Parks and Arts Subcommittee. Arizona has a long history of high levels of identity theft. There is no reason to exacerbate the problem by producing another ID that would carry no more weight than a library card."

— Jim Waring, District 2,northeast Phoenix

“To begin, I shall reiterate we must have respect for the process of gathering necessary data before making a decision. If after that due diligence, the City Council finds it to be efficient and fiscally responsible to create a municipal ID card, then applicants should have proper documentation to receive such a card.”

— Laura Pastor, District 4, parts of central and west Phoenix

For more information, go to:  www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com