Los Angeles takes next step toward ID cards for undocumented immigrants

A Los Angeles city panel on Tuesday asked for a request for proposals on the next steps needed by the city to create a city Services Card, a photo identification card to be issued by the Library Department that could also serve as debit card.

"The federal government has failed on immigration and we hundreds of thousands of people living in the shadows," said Councilman Richard Alarcon, who authored the proposal with support form Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee asked the Library Department be authorized by the City Council to report back on firms that could help develop the City Services Card.

Alarcon aides said a full report will be sent to the City Council within the next three weeks on the program designed to help provide local identity cards to illegal immigrants, the elderly students and the transgender.

In addition, Alarcon said, the Library Department was asked to develop a financial literacy program to try to help the 12 percent of the population that does not use banks or other financial institutions.

Deputy Mayor Larry Frank said the mayor is in agreement with Alarcon on the need for the program.

"We believe this car will address the 200,000 people who are unbanked in the city and will help lead to a financial empowerment for these people," Frank said.

Alarcon said he hopes to have the program started within six months.

There was no opposition voiced during the committee hearing, but Councilman Mitch Englander said he has some concerns about it.

"I think there are security concerns that have to be addressed before we go ahead with this," Englander said. "I also have questions about whether this is creating another bureaucracy within the city at a time when we are unable to pave our streets or trim our trees."

......Rick Orlov/Daily News