Posted by MelissaCT on 7/24/07 9:31pm
Msg #201575

New Haven, CT issues illegal immigrants ID cards

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070724/ap_on_re_us/immigrants_id_cards

My initial reaction was as a Notary & accepting these "IDs". Then I remembered that under CT notary laws, a primary ID has to be issued by a STATE or Federal government -- so these city-issued ID's are not acceptable for notary purposes.

Just wanted a heads-up for those who may see these down the road.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 7/24/07 9:59pm
Msg #201586

Well said, MelissaCT! CT Notaries MUST NOT accept those IDs n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 7/24/07 10:24pm
Msg #201606

I have WTNH saved in my favorite places so I can check on things "up home" every now and then -clicked on it today to find out about the doctor and his family in Cheshire (reported on the news here!!) and could not believe it when I saw that report!!..They are the first city in the country to do it. Curious what kind of benefits these cards afford people...keep me posted if you don't mind..

Reply by BobbiCT on 7/25/07 6:58am
Msg #201650

I disagree in part ....

This is a call by the Conn. Secretary of State, who should issue a PUBLIC opinion on this.

Personal Opinion: The City of New Haven identification card may qualify as one of the two forms of identification required. CGS3-94a(9)(A) "...by an institution, BUSINESS ENTITY ... containing at least the individual's signature..." The New Haven identification card, which contains a photograph, address, and signature may qualify as a card issued by an "institution, business entity". The City of New Haven is a state "institution" and does conduct "business."

I do not know the answer, but suspect that these identification cards issued by the City of New Haven must be treated exactly as a City of New Haven employee identification card.

This is not a black-and-white easy answer. Connecticut Notaries Public are NOT required to determine either U.S. citizenship or "legal" status before deciding whether they will accept an id. card. The statute does not allow us this personal leeway.

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/25/07 8:14am
Msg #201660

Re: Bobbi

The secondary form of ID is one that may be issued by a business entity, however, my recollection is that the primary form must be issued by state or federal government. Of course, SS card & birth cert are specifically prohibited from being used by a notary to establish ID. -- CGS:

Ch. 4 Sec. 3-94a. Notaries Public. Definitions. (9) "Satisfactory evidence of identity" means identification of an individual based on (A) at least two current documents, one issued by a federal or state government and containing the individual's signature and either a photograph or physical description, and the other by an institution, business entity or state government or the federal government and containing at least the individual's signature or (B) the oath or affirmation of a credible person who is personally known to the notary public and who personally knows the individual.

Perhaps I'm just reading that the primary must be state or fed gov't issued. But, it does read "one issued by fed or state gov't AND the other by institution, business entity or state or fed gov't..."

Not to split hairs -- certainly a question for the SOS to make their ruling on, as I don't know that a municipality can be considered an institution, business entity (although Bristol thinks they're a real estate conglomorate) or state/fed gov't.

I don't think the issue here is one of "legal" status, rather one of IF this new New Haven ID card can be used by a notary as a form of ID according to the established statute.

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/25/07 8:29am
Msg #201662

Re: Good discussion, anyway -- one additional note

"I do not know the answer, but suspect that these identification cards issued by the City of New Haven must be treated exactly as a City of New Haven employee identification card."

I would not consider these to be the same as employee ID cards, unless the city has I-9 forms on file for these card holders. I would love to see what the city is using for acceptable ID in issuing these cards.

My understanding is that these are issued in lieu of Driver's Licenses or Non-Driver ID cards, so they MAY be able to be used in addition to a passport, but only if the City of New Haven is considered a business entity or insititution.

I'll submit a written request to the SOS for a judgement call on this one. I'm interested in hearing their response, if only to satisfy my own curiosity.

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/25/07 8:37am
Msg #201663

Looks like I-9 form is being used in issuance of cards

ID Requirements - http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/pdf_whatsnew/acceptable%20id%20requirements%20final.pdf

Application form - http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/pdf_whatsnew/ApplicationForm.pdf

Reply by Frenchie/TN on 7/25/07 10:00am
Msg #201674

Re: Secondary form of ID- Funny

Twice I have been asked if I would accept a season's pass from DOLLYWOOD as ID!!! People seemed surprised when I would not accept it because it has their address and their picture. Hard to keep a straight face.