Starting in February, the city of Oakland, California will begin offering identification cards for people living within its municipality. Undocumented immigrants will be able to obtain these cards if they live in the city of Oakland, something that will help them prove their identity.
The card will also serve as a debit card, giving undocumented immigrants access to a bank account.
The cost of the card will be $$15. Debit card holders will have to pay standard fees to put money on the card and use it at ATMs.
Individuals interested in receiving a card will need to show photo identification, which could include an expired visa or student ID card, as well as proof that they live in Oakland.
The city has tentatively set February 1 as the card's inauguration date and estimates that it will issue approximately 6,000 cards in the first year.
Oakland is a "sanctuary city." Police officers are under orders not to inquire about people's immigration status.
Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente introduced the proposal for this card in 2009. It has taken more than 3 years to implement.
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