PROVIDENCE – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza unveiled the city’s new municipal identification cards Tuesday, urging Providence residents to come to City Hall and get an ID card, regardless of their citizenship status.
Elorza said the cards, which cost $5 each for some age groups and $15 each for others, promote “community pride” and allow residents to receive discounts and other special offers from local businesses and attractions participating in the program.
The so-called IDPVD card – available to residents age 14 and older – will also serve as a Providence library card and provide proof of identity and residency.
“Most of us take having a form of identification for granted until we realize how hard it is to carry out everyday activities without one,” Elorza said.
“IDPVD is easily accessible and shows every resident that they are part of the Providence community,” he added. “In a time when the forces that pull us apart seem stronger than ever, we’re thrilled to announce programs like this that promote acceptance.”
During a press conference at City Hall, the mayor said the ID cards were modeled after similar programs in New Haven, Conn., and elsewhere that were partly focused on helping undocumented residents.
Elorza was joined by Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements Jr., who said the city ID cards will help police officers and other emergency response personnel do their jobs.
“I think this will allow us to provide better police service,” the chief added.
The mayor said undocumented residents in Providence should not be reluctant to come forward for the ID cards because the city will not ask applicants about their citizenship status nor share any of their information.
“The Trump administration will never have access to this,” the mayor said in response to a reporter’s question about federal efforts to crack down on undocumented immigrants.
A statement about the ID card program reads: “The city is taking every precaution to protect each applicant’s data to the maximum extent permitted by law.”
The cards are not only intended for undocumented residents, the homeless and other “marginalized” people, Elorza said. All Providence residents are encouraged to get the cards for the various benefits they offer.
The mayor noted there is no cost for businesses to join the program, while it offers them the potential to gain new customers. A few local businesses and organizations have already joined the program and the city is in discussions with others to join, he said.
The IDPVD card, which includes a photo of the cardholder and resembles a driver’s license, will be issued by the city’s Department of Vital Records. Those interested in cards must apply in person at the office.
The cards cost $5 each for residents ages 14-17 and those over age 65, as well as low-income residents who demonstrate financial hardship. The cards cost $15 each for those ages 18-65.
Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.
