Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López
The Detroit City Council is opening doors for undocumented immigrants.
Members Tuesday unanimously approved a municipal ID for undocumented immigrants and others who lack access to city services without a driver's license or other state identification, Steve Neavling of Motor City Muckraker reports.
Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration plans to urge police, banks, museums, foundations, community partners and other institutions to accept the identification when the ordinance takes effect this fall.
“The ordinance aims to remove barriers that many face in obtaining an ID, honoring everyone’s fundamental right to be recognized in our society,” said Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López, who introduced the ordinance.
“The ID card will especially help vulnerable communities such as the elderly, homeless, youth, ex-offenders, LGBTQ, and immigrants by increasing access to valuable civic, safety and community services. This is an important step to ensure that as a city we are welcoming and inclusive of all Detroiters as we grow as a diverse, inclusive, global city. I sincerely hope that everyone will apply for a Detroit ID once the program rolls out in the fall.”
Duggan's chief of staff tweets:
Proud to see City Council approve a Municipal ID for Detroit! Such a boost for all of us!
— Alexis Wiley (@AlexisWileyNews) May 17, 2016
