With an increasing number of asylum-seekers arriving in New York City, demand for the IDNYC municipal identification card has surged. City Council members have responded by offering their offices as pop-up enrollment sites to meet the growing need.
Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala emphasized the importance of these pop-up sites, offering her own desk if necessary. The IDNYC cards, crucial for opening bank accounts, identifying oneself to police, and accessing schools, have become even more vital. The city issued 123,419 cards in the first eight months of fiscal year 2024, up from 117,389 in the same period the previous year.
Despite the increased demand, 95% of applications have been processed promptly. The card, available to everyone 10 years and older regardless of immigration status, has been a lifeline for undocumented New Yorkers, especially the recent influx of asylum-seekers.
Council members have expressed frustration over the limited number of enrollment sites and appointments. Currently, there are only 10 permanent sites in the city, with just one in the Bronx. Manhattan and Brooklyn have three each, Queens has two, and Staten Island has one. Since Mayor Eric Adams took office, many smaller sites have been consolidated into larger facilities.
Council Member Julie Won highlighted the accessibility issues, hosting a pop-up enrollment event to address the demand. Advocates have noted that misinformation and lack of appointment slots have caused delays. The city has since increased the number of weekly appointments to 7,100, up from 6,800.
Some appointments have gone unfilled, which officials attribute to the distribution of enrollment centers and lack of awareness. At its peak in 2017, there were 29 enrollment centers, but that number has dropped to 10.
The Department of Social Services, overseeing IDNYC, has consolidated sites to maximize capacity and issued a record number of cards, although distribution varies monthly. The highest number of cards issued was in December 2023, with 21,054 recorded.
New arrivals often struggle to obtain the necessary documentation for an IDNYC card, especially due to frequent relocations. Advocates like Sheyna Molina have seen an increase in available appointments but also more rejections due to lack of documentation. The city has been urged to find solutions for migrants lacking proper documents.
Since its launch in 2015, over 2.11 million IDNYC cards have been issued. The cards’ benefits have expanded, allowing holders to apply for jobs, affordable housing, and reduced public transportation fares. Legislation is also in progress to require all state-chartered banks to accept IDNYC as a primary ID.
Advocates stress the need for increased public awareness about the program. Initial promotions included widespread ads on buses, trains, and shelters. The City Council has passed legislation to help high school students access IDNYC cards, but more public awareness is needed to ensure eligible residents know about and can benefit from the program.
“