Bill de Blasio on Immigration

Greater outreach and assistance to immigrant entrepreneurs

Created privately-funded the DREAM fellowship

Universal City ID for services for undocumented immigrants

• Offer a Universal City ID Card to Residents: Bill de Blasio believes it's time for a city-backed ID card that will allow all residents--including undocumented immigrants--to access basic services like opening a bank account. These identification cards will also help foster better relations between the police and undocumented people, who often choose not to report crimes out of fear they may be deported.
• Allow Undocumented New Yorkers Access to Driver's Licenses: This will improve roadway safety by getting undocumented people who are already driving on our streets into driver's education classes and covered by auto insurance.
• End Cooperation With Federal 'Detainer Requests' For Minor Violations: The "federal detainer" process compels local police to hand over legal and undocumented immigrants to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--even for minor crimes committed years ago. [These should apply only to] those who have been convicted of serious felonies.