Officials Work To Ensure Immigrants Get Safe Water In Flint
FLINT (AP) - Michigan officials say identification isn't being required to get bottled water in Flint as part of an effort to ensure all residents, including immigrants living illegally in the country, get safe water amid the city's crisis with lead-tainted water.
Angela Minicuci, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Health and Human Services, told the Detroit Free Press some immigrants were initially denied water because they couldn't show ID.
Minicuci, however, says Michigan lifted the requirement, announcing Jan. 22 that no ID is required. She says state workers request IDs or addresses for water filters, but filters also will be distributed without ID.
Ryan Bates, executive director of advocacy group Michigan United, says long-term treatment and medical care should be available to all in Flint, regardless of immigration status.
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