New York City expanded the list of documents that can be used to obtain an IDNYC card on Tuesday, March 4th, making it easier for illegal immigrants to access the municipal identification program. The change, backed by the Adams administration and passed by the City Council, allows applicants to use 23 additional forms of identification, including expired driver’s licenses and records from federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The IDNYC program, launched in 2015 under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, is designed to help New Yorkers access city services, open bank accounts, sign leases, and enroll in schools. According to city data, approximately 1.7 million people have obtained the ID since its inception, including more than 130,000 last year. The program is open to all city residents aged 10 and older, regardless of immigration status.
Critics argue that the expanded eligibility undermines federal immigration laws and raises security concerns. Representative Nicole Malliotakis condemned the policy, stating, “It’s a terrible idea. To provide a legitimate government ID to individuals in the country illegally and then gives them access to government buildings and services is just another incentive [to come here].” She also expressed concerns about the verification process, claiming that “there is no vetting, no process to ensure documents provided to prove identity are not fake.”
Senator Ashley Moody also criticized the policy, calling it “absolute insanity” and arguing that it incentivizes illegal immigration. “They are expanding the ways illegal immigrants can get IDs to get more benefits, housing, health care,” Moody said in an interview. She also pointed out that some newly accepted documents include records from the Bureau of Prisons, raising concerns about potential security risks.
City officials have defended the program, emphasizing that IDNYC helps vulnerable populations access essential services. A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services stated that the recent changes formalized updates that have been in place since last year. “This rule change simply codifies local law changes that were enacted by the City Council in 2023,” the spokesperson said. The city also maintains that applicant backgrounds are checked for criminal issues and that information is only shared with law enforcement if required by a court warrant.
The policy shift comes as Mayor Eric Adams prepares to testify before Congress on immigration. His administration has repeatedly called for additional federal support to address the ongoing migrant crisis. However, due to budget constraints, it has also closed shelters and scaled back some services.
A public hearing on the IDNYC changes is scheduled for March 28th. At this hearing, officials will review public feedback and consider any necessary adjustments.
