10
Loading video...
By Nick Mordowanec
Staff Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The number of New Yorkers, including migrants, who have been issued citywide ID cards increased this fiscal year in comparison with past years.
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio started the IDNYC program in 2015, labeled as "the largest and most successful municipal ID program in the country," to provide free cards to all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status. All applicants 10 years of age and older qualify but must show proof of identity and residency in New York City.
The city issued 138,718 IDNYC cards between July 1, 2023 (the start of the current fiscal year), and March of this year. That compares to the 134,977 cards issued in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023, and 122,687 cards issued in the first nine months of fiscal year 2022.
Read More on U.S.
Approximately 95 percent of IDYNC applications were processed in a timely manner (within 14 days) between July 2023 and March 2024.
The increase has been affiliated with demand spurred by the number of asylum-seekers.
"As demand for IDNYC cards remains high, the IDNYC program has increased the availability of appointments by maximizing operational efficiencies and working with our community partners and elected officials to bring pop-up enrolment events into the community," a New York City's Department of Social Services (DSS) spokesperson told Newsweek via email on Monday.
The spokesperson added: "Following the program's transition to appointment-only, we continue to process more applications and issue more IDNYC cards to eligible New Yorkers. As always, we remain committed to working closely with all our stakeholders to enhance access to this important resource and enroll all who can benefit from IDNYC."
The increase in demand in recent years "is primarily attributable to the influx of asylum seekers to NYC," the DSS told Newsweek. The department does not track the immigration/asylum status of applicants.
Newsweek reached out to Mayor Eric Adams' office via email for comment.
...
"As a result of our efforts to strengthen and expand accessibility to IDNYC for all New Yorkers, we saw a nearly 50 percent increase in new IDNYC enrollments in 2023, when compared with 2022," City Hall spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak said in December, according to the New York Post.
"This comes on the heels of the city expanding the list of eligible documentation for IDNYC to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including asylum seekers," she added.
The IDNYC program allows cardholders to access city services and enter city buildings. Cardholders can use IDs for reasons including employment purposes (but only as proof of identity and not work authorization), receiving health benefits and checking immunization records, qualifying for affordable housing, opening a bank account at some financial institutions, and interacting with the New York Police Department.
They become eligible to receive discounts on prescription drugs, movie tickets, sporting events, health and fitness clubs, New York City attractions, and grocery stores.
Cardholders can also present IDs that can be used as library cards in the New York, Brooklyn, and Queens Public Library Systems.
As of January 29 of this year, the city has moved to an appointment-only model and no longer accepts walk-ins. Individuals can apply via an online portal or visit enrollment centers located around the city. The city offers 35 different languages for those who don't speak English.
IDNYC has increased appointment slots to over 7,100 per week, up from 6,800 per week earlier this year.
On Friday, a poll conducted exclusively for Newsweek by Redfield & Wilton Strategies of 974 eligible voters in New York City about the current crime rate and relation to the influx of migrants found that over 70 percent of those surveyed blamed migrants in the city for the current crime rate.
Another 41 percent said immigration is having a "significant" impact, and 31 percent said it has a "fair amount" of impact. The poll found that 18 percent said immigration has a "small" impact, and 10 percent said it has no impact at all.
Card renewal applications are being accepted now through December 31, 2024.
Update 05/20/24, 11:25 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment and information from New York City's Department of Social Services.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines