News Summary
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has expressed strong opposition to New Orleans’ Crescent City ID program, designed to help vulnerable populations like the homeless and immigrants. During a press conference, Landry labeled the initiative as ‘the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen,’ raising concerns about its impact on legal immigration status and election integrity. Supporters argue that the ID will aid domestic violence victims by giving them access to crucial resources. The program, set to launch in September, allows residents to apply for IDs with preferred names and gender markers, while assuring the privacy of applicant data.
New Orleans – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized the city’s new Crescent City ID program during a press conference on July 9, 2025. The program, intended to assist vulnerable populations, has raised concerns among state officials regarding its implications for legal immigration status and election integrity.
According to Landry, New Orleans’ initiative to issue municipal identification cards is an unwise decision, which he described on social media as “the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen.” He emphasized that New Orleans is part of Louisiana and should not operate like an independent city. Concerns about the motives behind the program were echoed by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who questioned its potential impact on state laws and regulations. In addition, Secretary of State Nancy Landry noted that her office is working closely with the Attorney General’s office to ensure the ID program does not threaten election integrity.
The Crescent City ID program aims to provide municipal identification cards to residents without conventional forms of identification, such as the homeless and immigrants. This initiative is designed to help vulnerable individuals access city facilities, register for services, and receive discounts at local businesses. Supporters assert that the program can be particularly beneficial for domestic violence and trafficking victims, facilitating their access to critical resources.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell unveiled the Crescent City ID program on July 28, 2025, announcing that residents would be able to apply for IDs beginning in September 2025. The IDs will permit users to choose their preferred names and gender markers, catering specifically to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, officials have clarified that the IDs will not confer driving privileges, allow for voter registration, or be valid for federal identification purposes.
To acquire an ID, applicants will need to provide specific documentation that verifies both their identity and residency. A list detailing the acceptable documents will be made available online. The New Orleans ID will function similarly to a library card, providing access to city services and discounts. To ensure privacy, city officials will minimize the storage of applicant data.
This initiative appears to align with a nationwide trend among cities, where over 42 municipalities have established similar ID programs to facilitate access for underrepresented communities. Past controversies regarding such initiatives, especially in relation to federal immigration enforcement, have influenced the development of the Crescent City ID program in New Orleans.
Kahlida Lloyd, the city’s human rights director, emphasized that the IDs would offer residents a sense of inclusion and support. In addition, local transit agencies plan to provide temporary discounts for ID holders to incentivize participation in the program. Overall, the Crescent City ID program represents a significant move toward enhancing accessibility and inclusion for underserved communities within New Orleans and aims to address the needs of various vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: New Orleans Municipal ID Card
- Wikipedia: Municipal Identification Card
- NOLA: New Orleans Municipal ID Program
- Google Search: Crescent City ID
- WGNO: New Crescent City ID for NOLA Residents
- Google Scholar: Crescent City ID
- NOLA: New Orleans ID Program Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Municipal ID Programs
- Task and Purpose: Military Base Security
- Google News: New Orleans Municipal ID
