New California state law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain state ID

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new state law on Friday allowing all California residents, regardless of immigration status, to obtain state-issued IDs.

The bill's passage was met with firm conservative resistance, as all Republicans present in the state's lower house voted against it, and only one Republican state senator voted in favor of the bill. 

The Golden State's controversial move comes in the wake of recent news that the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has in some instances neglected to assign registration numbers to migrants illegally crossing the border, another step toward recognizing those without legal status. 

"We’re a state of refuge – a majority-minority state, where 27 percent of us are immigrants," Newsom said after signing the bill. "That’s why I’m proud to announce the signing of today’s bills to further support our immigrant community, which makes our state stronger every single day."

The bill, AB 1766, known as “California IDs For All” was introduced by Assemblyman Mark Stone in February 2022.

In 2013, California passed a law allowing all of the state’s residents to obtain a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. However, this did not allow migrants who did not drive to obtain a form of ID. Additionally, it was restricted to just driving and did not grant any other benefits.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the IDs will serve as "passports to economic and societal participation" for all Californians, whether they are in the country legally or not. Acquiring IDs will allow those currently without them to work, access banking services, obtain government benefits, and access healthcare.

“Lack of identification is one of the largest barriers to success into the community because IDs are essential to securing employment, housing, and social services,” said Assemblymember Stone. “AB 1766 is an essential gateway to social inclusion and should be a basic necessity that every resident has access to.”

“This bill brings equity to those who have been unable to access basic life essentials because they have no legally recognized identification,” said Assemblyman Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer. “What many of us take for granted — having an ID — will have life-changing ramifications for many in the immigrant and disabled communities.”

The DMV is expected to begin issuing the IDs to undocumented migrants beginning in 2024.

In June, the New York Supreme Court struck down a local law in the New York City that would have empowered its 800,000 non legal residents the right to vote in local elections, saying that bill was unconstitutional.