New York - new ID cards available to undocumented immigrants

In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio's IDNYC program officially started yesterday, January 12, 2015. The program allows residents of all five NYC boroughs to obtain identification, allowing them rent accommodation, open bank accounts, etc. As the official website states:

The IDNYC program offers a photo identification card for residents of New York City who are at least 14 years old.  This municipal ID card connects New Yorkers to services, programs, and benefits, regardless of immigration status, homeless status, or gender identity.

The program extends to NYC residents who are not in lawful immigration status, prompting some criticism from conservative commentators including false claims that the ID cards grant voting rights.

Instructions on how to apply for the cards are on the IDNYC website, and include a list of the required documents to prove identity and residence. The application forms are available in over 25 languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Urdu, and Hebrew.  The cards are free for anyone applying in the first year (during 2015), and are valid for 5 years.

Benefits of the card, as listed on the official FAQs, are:

You can use the card to enter all City buildings, such as schools, and access City services. Police officers will accept the IDNYC card as valid identification. This is important because if you do not have identification with an address, in instances where you would otherwise be issued a summons, the police officer will bring you into the police station instead.

You will also be able to use your IDNYC card as a library card. You can even use your IDNYC card to open a bank account at certain financial institutions. There is also a package of benefitsincluding free memberships to 33 cultural institutions and discounts on prescription drugs, movie tickets, health and fitness clubs, New York City attractions, grocery store, and much more.