The city of Oakland, Calif., is set to issue municipal ID cards to its residents, especially to illegal immigrants that can prove residency, reported NPR.
The ID cards can also be used as debit cards. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan says the card can help people deal with the police and access the public library. People no longer have to carry cash around with them.
“This debit function will allow them to put their money somewhere safe and to avoid some of the really, really huge fees that they charge at these check-cashing facilities in the Latino community or even the Asian community,” said Quan to NPR.
However, the double-function card doesn’t come free. It costs $15 for adults and $10 for young people and seniors. Depositing money in the debit account and withdrawing funds will cause additional costs.
Oakland isn’t the first city to issue such cards to illegal immigrants. New Haven, Conn., and San Francisco have already done so.
The city began accepting applications for the new card last week and the first batch is expected to roll out in mid-March.
Read more on NPR.
