The next hot political potato: ID cards for Charlotte immigrants
The Story
The city council is considering a Charlotte ID card for immigrants.
City gets first glimpse of immigrant proposals – Charlotte Observer http://t.co/NSrQcvavnt
— Charlotte report (@Charlottereport) March 22, 2015
The Facts
– A task force has concluded that it’s too hard for immigrants to live and work in Charlotte because of documentation requirements.
– Among its 27 strategies is this ID card.
– It could be used for social or legal needs, such as reporting a crime to police or letting parents volunteer in their children’s school (which typically requires documentation).
Supporters of a Charlotte ID Card for undocumented immigrants are here at city council meeting. #ImmigrationAction pic.twitter.com/wnb65qnJIp
— Audrina Bigos (@AudrinaBigos) March 23, 2015
– It could also be used to get discounts into cultural venues, something other cities have done.
– It wouldn’t replace a N.C. driver’s license, however.
– Any immigrant – whether they are here legally or not – would be allowed to get one.
Reaction
– Charlotte’s Latin American Coalition, as well as the school system, the ACLU and the Episcopal Church, support the ID plan.
– Critics say it will encourage illegal immigration.
@theobserver @wcnc Charlotte is so backward, it’s unbelievable. Perx 4 immigrants & woe is me, we don’t know how to handle indecent Xposure, — MEDoc (@maudephd) March 23, 2015
Charlotte Mayor Backs Municipal ID Card for Undocumented Immigrants – immigration lawyers in Charlotte NC http://t.co/zAQPdUEYSW
— Ahmad Yakzan (@ayakzan) March 23, 2015
C5’s Take
This one will undoubtedly be a hot political potato. Watch it to continue making headlines.
This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "The next hot political potato: ID cards for Charlotte immigrants."