California City Considers Allowing Illegal Immigrants to Use Library Cards as ID

 The Los Angeles city Council voted unanimously to consider a proposal that would allow illegal immigrants to use their library cards as a legitimate form of identification that would allow them to open bank accounts and access city services.

If the measure is approved, Los Angeles will join the ranks of other cities such as San Francisco and Oakland that have allowed undocumented immigrants to use their library cards as ID since they are not eligible to obtain a driver’s license.

The ID card will include the person’s name, address and a photo and will be issued at public library. The city would also partner with a private vendor to help people set up bank accounts for those who want to use their library card to obtain a debit card, according to the Los Angeles Times. Banks typically require a state issued identification card or driver’s license to open an account.

California has become increasingly friendly to illegal immigrants, earning the moniker of sanctuary state.

The state passed their own version of the DREAM Act which allows in-state tuition costs for undocumented youth, often referred to as DREAMers.

 Most recently lawmakers in the state passed a law that would allow Dreamers to obtain a driver’s license, but not all of the undocumented immigrants in the state can be considered Dreamers. And the state wishes to address their problems.

Legal immigration is a long process and many people simply chose to live in the U.S. illegally instead of get legal status. While it may seem like the best route to begin with, undocumented immigrants face many challenges and the eventuality of deportation.  Immigration lawyers make the route to legal citizenship much simpler and more successful for those who chose this endeavor.