ST. LOUIS — In St. Louis, the Freedom Principle MO, a pro-citizen advocacy group, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed city initiative aimed at introducing the Gateway Card ID program.
The program, spearheaded by Alderwoman Velazquez and outlined in Board Bill 137, aims to provide a local identification card for city residents.
However, critics argue the plan is an unnecessary financial burden that could potentially aid undocumented immigrants, sparking controversy over its implementation and objectives.
"This Gateway Card will not do anything to help city residents," Byron Keelin, the president of the Freedom Principle MO, said in a statement provided to The St. Louis Record. "It adds an extra layer of government bureaucracy and could serve as a means to protect illegal immigrants."
Velazquez, the bill’s sponsor, has noted the demand for accessible identification in St. Louis.
Since 2022, an estimated 5,000 individuals have sought assistance in obtaining IDs, according to her office.
The proposed Gateway ID program is part of a broader initiative by Cities for Action, a progressive think tank advocating for immigrant-friendly policies across over 100 municipalities.
The card would not replace state-issued IDs but would provide residents with access to local services.
However, the Freedom Principle MO questions the safeguards associated with the program.
"Our main concern is the documentation required to obtain this Gateway Card," Keelin said. "Cities for Action advises against collecting immigration status data, making this a potential backdoor to provide taxpayer resources to illegal immigrants."
Critics also warn that the program could jeopardize federal funding.
Keelin pointed to the stance of the incoming Trump administration, which has threatened financial penalties for so-called sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Although St. Louis is not officially designated as a sanctuary city, Keelin argues that its policies reflect pro-immigrant sentiments that could place it at risk.
"The city could lose access to millions in federal resources by implementing this program without requiring proof of immigration status," Keelin said.
The Gateway Card’s inability to serve as a state-recognized ID for voting, alcohol or tobacco purchases has also raised concerns about voter confusion.
"While this card cannot legally be used to vote, its issuance could mislead residents and lead to unintentional disenfranchisement," Keelin said.
Keelin argues that existing resources render the Gateway Card unnecessary.
Missouri residents can obtain a state-issued non-driver ID for less than $20, and organizations like the Missouri State Access ID Coalition already assist individuals in acquiring these state-approved IDs.
"Why create a new program that costs over $800,000 for three years when we already have systems in place?” Keelin said. "The Board of Aldermen should focus on working with the Missouri State Access ID Coalition to help residents secure state-issued IDs that are valid across all levels of government."
The Freedom Principle MO maintains that the proposed budget for the Gateway Card program represents a waste of taxpayer money.
"This card would be limited to city services and hold no utility beyond City Hall," Keelin said. "It’s a redundant initiative that burdens residents with unnecessary expenses and paperwork."
In urging the Board of Aldermen to reconsider Board Bill 137, the Freedom Principle MO underscored its commitment to practical and fiscally responsible solutions.
"This bill’s flaws are clear," Keelin said. "Instead of creating a duplicative and costly program, the city should strengthen partnerships with existing organizations to provide effective assistance to residents."