AZMEX I3 10-10-12

AZMEX I3 10 OCT 2012


Note: the ID would be for illegal immigrants, legal immigrants have
documentation.

Phoenix mulling city ID for immigrants
By Sandra Haros
Originally published: Oct 10, 2012 - 6:29 am
http://www.ktar.com/22/1580993/Phoenix-mulling-city-ID-for-immigrants

PHOENIX -- The City of Phoenix is considering whether to create a
city identification card that can be distributed to immigrants.

Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chair Michael Nowakowski is
exploring the idea of a city-issued ID card for, "immigrants that
have a Mexican Matricula card or an equivalent of a foreign
identification, but not a valid form of state identification,"
according to a memo written by Nowakowski and sent to City of Phoenix
Attorney Gary Verburg.

The memo suggested that Phoenix is facing challenges as the police
department integrates sections of SB 1070. Nowakowski proposed that
the cards could be a viable solution to protect both police officers
and residents and create an opportunity to make more residents feel
safe enough to report crime.

The Phoenix Police Department declined to comment.

Phoenix attorney and civil rights activist Antonio Bustamante
believes the cards are an excellent idea. He said the decision is
moral and comports with good, sound public policy. The cards will
also encourage a significant portion of the community who will not
approach law enforcement to report a crime.

"They are afraid of being asked for identification that they cannot
produce and that they fear will lead to their arrest and
deportation," he said.

Nowakowski could not be reached for comment.