Illegal immigrants, including 50,000 Bangladeshis, in New York City getting IDs

More than half a million illegal immigrants including over 50,000 Bangladeshis living in New York City are going to receive Municipal Identification Card to access key city services previously beyond their reach.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio kicked off the process of distribution of the ID cards on Monday local time.

Democrat Congresswoman from Queens Grace Meng and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito were present at the inauguration.

The free ID card, dubbed IDNYC, is valid for five years and will be distributed for one year. Application forms for the card, available in 25 languages including Bangla, can be submitted in 17 different places of the city.

Primarily, the states and cities where the special ID card has been introduced include California, Los Angeles, Auckland, Richmond, San Francisco City, Washington DC, New Haven City of Connecticut, Asbury Park of New Jersey and Monmouth County.

With this card, illegal immigrants will not only be able to live without the fear of getting arrested and deported but also bargain for sufficient salary.

The new card, which was launched in part to provide a form of identification for undocumented immigrants and those without a permanent address, represents the largest municipal ID program in the USA.

In the inauguration speech, Mayor de Blasio said these residents whose hardship and talent have helped the city to flourish deserved to get respect.

Immigrants will be able to use this ID card in New York public schools, hospitals, 33 museums and recreational centres to get services.

Also they can open accounts in 10 banks including Popular Community Bank and Amalgamated Bank. The card will provide holders discounts on prescription drugs. It also doubles as a library card at New York’s three public library systems.

Immigrants aged 14 years and older are eligible if they can prove their identity and city residency by submitting passport from own country or ID card from consulate or ID card from military services and birth certificate.

Applicants without a home address may prove residency by providing a letter from a city agency, volunteer organisation, religious institution, hospital or health clinic where their mail is received.