DALLAS (AP) - The mayor of Dallas says he hopes the city will be able to offer identification cards to all residents, including people living in the country illegally.
Mayor Mike Rawlings announced the city’s plan to research municipal identification cards on Tuesday, the Dallas Morning News (https://bit.ly/2nlv7th ) reported. The IDs would include a resident’s photo, name and address.
The cards assist immigrants who may need identification for municipal services, such as cashing checks, seeking employment or obtaining a library card.
“We want to be inclusive, and we want to be accessible to the communities and make them feel welcome all the time,” said Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo, who supports the IDs.
Rawlings’ announcement coincided with the “Cities’ Day of Immigration Action,” an event organized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He noted that a quarter of Dallas’ population was born abroad.
“We are going to review the different municipal identifications offered (across the country) and study how they work,” said Liz Cedillo-Pereira, who leads the city’s new Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs.
Rawlings said he also hopes the city’s new immigrant affairs office can help with his goal of involving Mexican immigrants in the economy. He said the identification cards would be a good starting point.
The mayor also said he plans to work with federal and state agencies to ensure that any Dallas resident ID complies with all laws.
“Our city must be open, but it also must be vigilant,” Rawlings said. “We understand that anxiety is high.”
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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, https://www.dallasnews.com
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