According to one legal analyst, it is hypocritical of California officials to work to implement policies and perks that make it easier for illegal immigrants to break the law.
The Los Angeles City Council is considering a plan to give illegal immigrants the ability to use their library cards as valid ID to open bank accounts and apply for other services. It would work like a debit card that includes library access.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the city council has voted to study the option, which would accommodate the city's large immigrant population. But Ken Klukowski, fellow and senor legal analyst with The American Civil Rights Union, says the effort is not legal.
"In their politics, despite the fact that it is even inconsistent with federal law, they will then go off in their own direction and insist on the ability of the states to be able to do all sorts of things," he comments. "So, in essence, it is we favor federal power if the states want to crack down on illegal immigration, but we favor state power if the state wants to go easy on illegal immigration."
The ID card would include the username, address, and a photograph of the individual and would be issued at libraries in the city. Cardholders would only have to prove they are a Los Angeles resident.
The LA Times notes that the cards would not replace driver's licenses and would not protect illegals from deportation.