A diversity advocate group in Charlotte is helping undocumented immigrants obtain the kind of photo IDs they've been unable to secure from the government.

The Latin American Coalition of Charlotte is spearheading the efforts and organizers insist immigrants see the program as a critical step forward in such matters as dealing with law enforcement.

While maintaining that the document is not considered a formal form of identification, Mecklenburg police acknowledge that it is better to have some type of ID than none at all.

Officers Have Discretion in Honoring ID

"Each officer has their own discretion to understand if they accept it then it's on their responsibility," said Det. Danny Hernandez.

With many observing that the deck now appears stacked against immigrants whenever they come into contact with law enforcement given the ongoing deportations now under way across the country, several sources have recently launched efforts aimed at assisting undocumented immigrants.

On the legislative front, House Democrats recently introduced a bill calling for immigrant children and other vulnerable groups to receive fair due process in immigration court.

The "Fair Day in Court for Kids Act" seeks to guarantee legal counsel access, case management services and legal orientation programs to such individuals.

"Dems Introduce Bill Requiring That Kids Facing Deportation Have Legal Counsel

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., recently addressed how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended one raid by claiming that the apprehended immigrant women and children had "exhausted" their legal claims for relief.

"But when lawyers get a chance to speak to these families and children, they've learned that many of them have strong asylum claims and would be in danger if they were deported to their home country," he said, adding that many victims further suffer because they are not able to consult with legal counsel prior to meeting a judge.

The House bill would also require DHS to submit reports to Congress on the number of immigrants, identified in the "Fair Day in Court for Kids Act," who were given counsel representation and received legal orientation representations.

The bill is a complement to a proposal recently introduced by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, that mandates the federal government provide legal counsel to unaccompanied immigrant children and other vulnerable individuals, including victims of abuse, torture and violence.

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