NEW YORK, NY – Last Monday, the Middletown Common Council unanimously passed legislation to create a municipal ID, becoming the third city in New York State to do so. The program will allow Middletown residents to access services, programs, and benefits, regardless of immigration status. It will also be available for the homeless, transgender people, young people and seniors, the formerly incarcerated, and anyone who may have difficulty obtaining other government-issued ID.
To apply for a municipal ID, applicants will need to prove residence and identity using a combination of several other forms of ID such as a work permit, diploma, property/utility bills, etc.
In response, Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said:
“At a time when the federal government ramps up its attacks on our local communities, Middletown’s municipal ID program will give security and open new doors for everyone, especially immigrant, transgender, homeless, and senior New Yorkers. We commend Middletown for taking a step in the right direction with the help of local immigration advocates at Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson.”
Middletown is the third city in New York State to establish a municipal ID program for all residents, thanks to efforts from the New York Immigration Coalition and local organization Nobody Leaves Mid Hudson. Other Hudson Valley cities – Kingston, Newburgh, and Beacon– are also considering municipal IDs programs.
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