(SACRAMENTO, CA, 9/23/2022) – The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today applauded the signing of “California IDs for All” into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
AB 1766, introduced by Assemblymember Stone, expands California Identification Card eligibility access for all, regardless of immigration status. Lack of identification is historically one of the largest barriers to successful reentry into the community as IDs are essential to securing housing, social services, and other benefits.
In a statement, CAIR-CA Policy & Government Affairs Manager Nazeehah Khan said:
“For years, immigration status has barred California immigrants from fostering a sense of home in their new communities. Safe housing, food, and access to resources are at the forefront of human survival and we are elated that these necessities will now be more accessible to all people.
“We are grateful to Assemblymember Stone and Governor Newsom for their dedication to developing policies which empower California immigrants and for leading the national fight for immigrants’ rights by example. We warmly congratulate Asian Americans Advancing Justice – CA, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and California Immigrant Policy Center on their victory as cosponsors of this bill.”
While more than a million people have obtained a driver’s license under AB 60, there are approximately 1.7 million undocumented people who are eligible and may benefit from having a state government-issued identification card. This bill has an implementation date of 2027 to accommodate the Department of Motor Vehicles.
CAIR-CA has supported AB 1766 over the course of the last year and looks forward to continuing to support future legislation which advances the rights of all Californians.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, eelkadi@cair.com, (714) 851-4851